In this surveillance report, HIV cases include persons reported with HIV infection (non-AIDS), advanced HIV (non-AIDS) and AIDS within a given year. It is also important to note that the report is a reflection of the lowest known status of all reported PLHIV. Therefore, persons reported as Advanced HIV, AIDS or even AIDS deaths in 2015 may include previously reported cases that have only just been reported as having a later disease stage. However, the data does not include HIV-infected persons who have not been tested for HIV or persons whose positive test results have not been reported to the Ministry of Health (MOH).
OVERVIEW OF HIV-INFECTED POPULATION INCLUDING REPORTED HIV INFECTIONS, AIDS CASES AND DEATHS RELATED TO HIV
- Jamaica has an estimated HIV prevalence of 1.6% among the general population. Based on both modelled estimates and the case-based surveillance data, it is estimated that 29,000 persons are currently living with HIV in Jamaica; but approximately 16% are unaware of their status. Between January 1982 and December 2015, thirty-four thousand one hundred and twenty-five (34,125) cases of HIV were reported to the Ministry of Health. Of these, 9,517 (27.9%) are known to be deceased.
- The MOH began monitoring cases of advanced HIV in July 2005 to reflect the need for treatment at an earlier stage of disease. Persons with advanced HIV include persons with CD4 count <350. In 2015, six hundred and eighty-six (686) persons with advanced HIV (349 males and 337 females) were reported compared to 764 in 2014.