Barbadians have generally positive attitudes towards HIV-positive persons – KABP Survey
The National HIV/AIDS Commission (NHAC) Barbados launched its latest report on HIV knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and sexual practices (KABP) survey.
The NHAC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, conducted the KABP survey to assess risks associated with acquiring HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among individuals ages 15 to 49 from January 2016 – November 2017.
The survey also aimed to determine the risk reduction practices and the health-seeking behaviours of individuals regarding HIV and STIs.
The analysis revealed relatively high levels of HIV knowledge, moderate levels of STI knowledge, low HIV testing uptake among the general population, high levels of inconsistent condom use particularly with regular partners and existence of multi-partnering.
HIV-related stigma and discrimination
There were generally positive attitudes towards People living with HIV with at least 8 in 10 persons being willing to care for a sick family member in their household, support the presence of HIV+ teachers and students in the school environment provided they were not ill and work alongside a co-worker living with HIV. Respondents also stated that they would visit the home of a community member who has HIV and socialise with an HIV-positive community member.
Conversely, about 44.0% had no desire to conceal the HIV+ status of a family member while roughly 1 in 3 persons was willing to buy food from an HIV positive person. About 1 in 4 persons felt that landlords and co-workers should be informed of the HIV positive status of tenants and workmates, respectively.
Download or view the full analysis here.
WHAT IS PANCAP?
PANCAP is a Caribbean regional partnership of governments, regional civil society organisations, regional institutions and organisations, bilateral and multilateral agencies and contributing donor partners established on 14 February 2001. PANCAP provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic, and coordinates the response through the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS to maximise efficient use of resources and increase impact, mobilise resources and build the capacity of partners.
What are the Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026 targets and commitments?
If targets and commitments in the strategy are achieved:
- The number of people who newly acquire HIV will decrease from 1.7 million in 2019 to less than 370 000 by 2025
- The number of people dying from AIDS-related illnesses will decrease from 690 000 in 2019 to less than 250 000 in 2025.
- The goal of eliminating new HIV infections among children will see the number of new HIV infections drop from 150,000 in 2019 to less than 22,000 in 2025.
What are the 95-95-95 Targets for ending AIDS?
- 95% of People Living with HIV know their HIV status;
- 95% of people who know their status on treatment; and
- 95% of people on treatment with suppressed viral loads.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026, End Inequalities, End AIDS
https://pancap.org/pancap-documents/global-aids-strategy-2021-2026-end-inequalities-end-aids/
Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS (CRSF) 2019-2025
https://pancap.org/pancap-documents/caribbean-regional-strategic-framework-2019-2025/