The prevalence of HIV and AIDS is quite low among those over 50 years old in Jamaica but despite this, there will be a number of workshops targeted towards those over 50 in an attempt to keep them informed about the risks inherent in risky sexual behaviour. The series of workshops, under the theme ‘HIV/AIDS Awareness for Mature Adults’, is being funded by the US-based PEPFAR programme.
The workshop was recently held by local officials including the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons in Jamaica with the support of the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and Dr. Jeremy Knight, Director of the HIV programme in the Jamaica Ministry of Health is encouraging individuals to get informed with accurate information.
“Once we are sexually active, irrespective of our age group, we are vulnerable. So it is a big mistake to think that age has anything to do with your vulnerability,” Knight said. Knight indicated that Data from His ministry still indicates that the groups age 23-30 are driven by “risk-taking” behaviours among heterosexuals.
Professor Brendan Bain, director of the Regional Coordinating Unit of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training Network, pointed to the factors driving HIV/AIDS. He said that these included early initiation of sexual activity as well as limited life skills and sex education.
According to Dr. Knight the country is still trying to come to terms with a high teen pregnancy rate of 23%, Knight emphasized that it was critical for young people and older people to all be informed and all “at-risk” groups will be targeted regardless of age.
Individuals from the community on individuals living with HIV gave testimony of their experience of living with HIV at the workshop.
The workshops will continue on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at the St Peter and Paul Parish Hall in Liguanea and on Thursday, January 30, at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge.
