The Bahamas Red Cross recently partnered with Urban Renewal in the fight against HIV and AIDS.”

Leading the one day symposium was Coordinator of the Bahamas Red Cross Caribbean HIV/AIDS Project, John Darville, who gave officers and support workers an overview of the epidemic in The Bahamas as it relates to its prevention, treatment, patient and family counseling.

The number of new AIDS cases increased by more than 30 in 2011, with men accounting for the upswing.

The most recent figures released by the Health Information and Resource Unit (HIRU) show that of the 138 new AIDS cases recorded in 2011, 71 were men and 67 were women compared to the 57 men and 48 women who were added to the list of new AIDS cases in 2010.

Health officials attribute the increase to more people coming forward to be tested.

But despite such inroads, HIRU stats have further revealed that in 2011, 71 men died as a result of the deadly disease compared to 48 females; a total of 119 people.

This is only five more than the total recorded during the previous period.
However, officials note that the total deaths exclude the cases of 20 HIV victims, who died due to causes unrelated to AIDS.
In the case of HIV, the 25 to 29 age group accounted for the greatest number of infections following by the 30 to 34 age bracket.
The Caribbean is said to be the second most HIV infected region in the world.
Higher prevalence rates are found only in sub-Saharan Africa.
Officers and support workers from the various Urban Renewal centres of Bain/Grants Town, Centreville, Englerston, Pinewood and Fort Charlotte participated in the one day workshop and were presented with Certificates of Participation.

Officers and support staff hope to return to their respective communities empowered to spread the message of HIV/AIDS prevention to all residents.