Barbados Minister Stresses Balanced Approach to HIV Pandemic: Medical Advances and Societal Challenges Addressed

Barbados is doing well on the medical side of the HIV pandemic but still has to work on the social side, says Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey.

“I think Barbados has done exceptionally well in dealing with persons with HIV in terms of the reduction in the number of cases of HIV, our treatment pre- and postdiagnosis and in terms of counselling and so on. But I think we also have to constantly remind people that HIV is still here,” he told the media yesterday at a service at Better Life Assembly, Hindsbury Road, St Michael, to mark World AIDS Day, held this year under the theme Take The Rights Path: My Health, My Right!.

“We have seen in the past, in some cases, a concern about the older demographic, but I think that by changing behaviour, a lot of the cases of HIV can be reduced. I don’t think people should take for granted the fact that they can get medication to be a reason to be reckless in their health, in their behaviour and their sexual practices,” he said, adding it was also important to continue to carry the message into schools.

Humphrey said it was a time to be reminded people who had HIV or AIDS had rights.

“A lot of the issues pertaining to social justice are because most of our vulnerable communities still do not feel like they’re part of the ‘promise’ of Barbados – in relation to opportunities, in relation to treatment and in relation to their rights.

“But I think Barbados just has to remain cautious, remain conscious and I would encourage Barbadians to treat persons who they know may be diagnosed with HIV and AIDS with a little bit of respect. They should not be discriminated against for work, they should not be discriminated against in social settings or any of those things. Just continue to show love as we talk about social justice and the new Barbados,” he said.

Celebrity match

The minister said a few of the social awareness activities for the year included a celebrity cricket match yesterday at Lears playing field, in which he participated, and an event at Sky Mall on Friday where there will be free HIV testing.

“I want to encourage people to come out and be tested for HIV and I think they’re also doing prostate testing there as well. In Eden Lodge on Saturday, we have a Man Aware where we talk about issues of HIV, particularly for men and young men, about controlling their behaviour. So we’re going to encourage young men to come out and get an education and be tested.”

Humphrey also spoke about the name change of the National HIV/ AIDS Commission to the National Well-being and HIV Commission. He said the change reflected its expanded duties and the need to focus on wellness and well-being.

“I think the HIV Commission was well placed to become that institution because they’ve developed tremendous skills over the years having to deal with well-being.” he said. (CA)