AIDS Programme Manager Delcora Williams says that many people that have tested HIV-positive have not returned for care
The Ministry of Health is raising fresh concerns after revealing that hundreds of people diagnosed with HIV are still not accessing free treatment available through public health services.
AIDS Programme Manager Delcora Williams said on a program on State Media, the latest data shows a significant number of individuals who have tested positive but have not returned for care, an issue she describes as deeply worrying.
Currently, 1015 people are living with HIV, but only 600 are accessing care and treatment.
Antiretroviral medication and monitoring are provided at no cost through the ministry’s clinics, yet health officials say stigma, fear, and misinformation continue to keep many from seeking help.
Williams is appealing directly to those who have disengaged from care to make contact with the AIDS Secretariat or their nearest health centre, noting that confidential support is guaranteed.
“When you access care and treatment, you become virally suppressed. Which means the virus will not damage your system. You will not have nausea, diarrhea, or conditions that cause you to become ill…It also means you cannot transmit HIV to your partner or anyone you come in contact with”, she explained.
The Ministry will be ramping up its outreach efforts, including follow-up initiatives and renewed public education, as officials work to re-engage patients and reduce the risk of further spread.
It’s heartbreaking to hear that people are still avoiding treatment when it’s free and literally life-saving. Stigma is killing people more than the virus at this point.
The fact that people are choosing to stay away because of fear says a lot about how much misinformation is still out there. We need better education, not more silence.
Re-engaging in care can save your life no one should feel alone in thi
HIV is manageable with treatment. What’s dangerous is silence and misinformation.
Take advantage of the free treatment
To anyone living with HIV: treatment works, and you deserve care without fear.
Free treatment is good, but clearly more needs to be done to reach those who are disengaged.
It’s heartbreaking to know so many are refusing treatment. We need more awareness and support programs to help people understand the importance of care.
If 400+ people are missing from care, the system must rethink how it connects with patients.