We got to do better
Introduction
With December 1st marking World AIDS Day and new HIV case data in TCI, it’s important to regularly raise HIV/AIDS awareness and encourage safer sexual behavior. The statistics are alarming and so this must be taken seriously. Given that there is modern medication, HIV is no longer a death sentence as it used to be. However, the existence of treatment does not mean that you should be careless.
Based on a release from the Ministry of Health, in 2024, 70 new cases of HIV were identified. Between 2019 and 2023, 99 new HIV diagnoses were recorded. (25 in 2019, 22 in 2020, 20 in 2021, 11 in 2022 and 21 in 2023). As of June 2025, there are 36 new cases so if that trend continues in 2025, then we can expect 72 new cases for 2025.
Online reports indicate that by 2021, there were 590 people living with HIV in the TCI. If we add new cases from 2022 to June 2025, the total is estimated at 728. The actual number may be higher, as some people with HIV remain untested and unaware of their status.
Though less than 2% of the population, each statistic represents a person. It can be your husband, wife, daughter, mother, father, cousin, friend, neighbour or any loved one. And for the small population that we have in TCI, one infection matters deeply.
Let us do better
All of us have a role to play in curbing HIV. We should get tested regularly. If you tested positive, avoid intentionally exposing others to the virus. If you tested negatively, practice safer sex or abstain from sex. You do not want to live with HIV. There is too much stigma involved and if you can avoid having a sexually transmitted disease then you should.
Condoms remain the most effective way to prevent the transmission of HIV. However, a lot of people do not want to use condoms because they say they do not like how it feels. Using condoms helps safeguard your future.
Do not be deceived by external appearances. One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming they can “see” who has HIV. The truth is, you cannot tell a person’s HIV status by how they look, how they dress, how healthy they appear, or what kind of lifestyle you think they live. HIV does not have a “look.” It affects people of every age, every background, every income level, and every social circle in the Turks and Caicos Islands. You see some of the healthiest, most active, and most confident-looking individuals can be living with the virus and many may not even know it themselves.
It is also important not to presume that individuals holding work permits are HIV negative. As far as I know, a person can be tested positive for HIV and still be approved for a work permit.
Conclusion
Protecting yourself from HIV is about valuing your lives, your future and the people you love. On the other hand, I want to say to those individuals that have HIV, you are still worthy, still deserving of love, respect and a full meaningful life. Do not be defined by your diagnosis.