Today, June 8, is National Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The Caribbean Basin and the United States are closely connected. Many Americans have Caribbean heritage and travel often between the islands and the mainland USA. The issue of HIV/AIDS is critical for all of us and we must be cognizant of the facts as well as reach out to the Caribbean as it battles HIV/AIDS.
The National Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day highlighted some key statistics:
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In 2008, an estimated 240 000 [220 000–260 000] people were living with HIV in the Caribbean region, while an estimated 20 000 [16 000–24 000] people were newly infected and some 12 000 [9300–14 000] died of AIDS-related illnesses. -
The Caribbean has been more heavily affected by HIV than any region outside sub-Saharan Africa and has the second highest level of adult HIV prevalence (1.0% [0.9–1.1%]).
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The Caribbean has a mix of generalized and concentrated epidemics. Women account for about half of all infections in the Caribbean. HIV prevalence is especially high among young women.
Today, like all awareness days, take a moment to review HIV/AIDS information, get tested, know your status, and seek medical care and support if you are living with HIV/AIDS. The following websites provide more information on the Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Days.
AIDS.GOV – Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
The National Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Website
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