Alarm raised over increase in HIV/AIDS in young people across the region

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has raised alarm over the increasing incidence of HIV among young people in the Caribbean, highlighting that countries like Guyana and Suriname report alarming rates of 14%, while Barbados sees numbers as high as 37%.

According to regional health officials,  this trend necessitates immediate scrutiny and action.

UNAIDS Multi-Country Director, Dr. Richard Amenyah, emphasized that despite some progress, the decline in new infections among adolescents remains sluggish. 

He noted that globally, individuals aged 15 to 24 account for 28% of new HIV infections, with the Caribbean mirroring this concern at 27% of approximately 15,000 new cases.

“If we aim to eradicate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, we must address the troubling rise in infections among youth in the region,” he said.

UNAIDS says the plight of children and adolescents is equally dire, with 2.38 million young people worldwide living with HIV as of the end of 2023. Among the 630,000 deaths due to AIDS-related illnesses, 90,000 involved individuals under 20. 

Although there have been decreases in infections among children and younger adolescents since 2000, progress has stalled, particularly for those aged 15-24. Last year, 71% of new infections in the 10-19 age group occurred among girls, with stark regional disparities in infection rates.

Amenyah outlined several critical challenges that hinder effective HIV prevention and treatment among the youth and pointed to social norms, vulnerability to high-risk behaviors, and policy obstacles contribute significantly to the epidemic’s persistence. 

UNAIDS noted that the stigma surrounding HIV remains a formidable barrier and young individuals fear rejection and discrimination, which discourages them from seeking testing or treatment. Girls and young women face heightened risks due to gender inequality, early sexual debut, and gender-based violence, while marginalized groups, including those engaged in sex work, are also disproportionately affected.

Mental health issues among young people living with HIV require urgent attention. Many experience isolation and anxiety about their future, but tailored mental health services are often lacking. However, advancements in technology offer new avenues for engagement. Digital platforms, social media, and telemedicine can facilitate access to vital information and services.

Amenyah urged the prioritization of youth-friendly services that remove barriers to access. “To promote the health and dignity of all young people, we must develop deliberate health policies and strategies that deliver high-quality, confidential, and non-discriminatory HIV and sexual health services,” he concluded.