As Antigua and Barbuda observes World AIDS Day 2025, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) is urging renewed national attention to HIV awareness, HIV prevention as well as Testing and Treatment—key tools in reducing new infections and strengthening community health.
Over the past four years, data show a consistent 45–51 new HIV diagnoses annually—a trend that has remained unchanged for more than a decade.
“For a population of about 100,000, this is a concerningly high number. We would have hoped to see a decline in new infections, but instead we’re roughly at the same level we were ten years ago,” said Dr. Margrethe Belle, Specialist in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases and Administrative Head of the Infectious Diseases/Employee Health Division.
Adding to the concern is a notable rise in HIV cases among adolescents aged 15–19, with five cases recorded in 2024, an age group that in previous years saw almost no cases.
“As a nation, one of our greatest responsibilities is to lift the next generation. Seeing this increase among our adolescents is heartbreaking. We need to empower them to make wise decisions and ensure they’re equipped to take charge of their own health,” said Dr. Belle.
SLBMC also reports a rise in individuals admitted with advanced HIV/AIDS—an indication that many people are either not receiving optimal treatment or are being diagnosed late in the course of their illness. Importantly, advanced HIV/AIDS is preventable with early testing and timely, effective treatment.
“It is crucial that every person living with HIV knows they can expect to become virally suppressed within months of starting treatment. This means the virus becomes very low or undetectable in their blood. When someone remains virally suppressed, they will not become sick or die from HIV, and they cannot transmit the virus sexually. Optimal treatment is essential not only for individuals to live long, healthy lives, but also to reduce new HIV infections in our population,” said Dr. Belle.
While calling for greater public engagement, SLBMC is also underscoring the importance of strong partnerships across the health sector—particularly the vital work of the AIDS Secretariat.
“The partnership with the AIDS Secretariat is essential. We collaborate closely on education and on addressing the challenges we encounter in HIV treatment and care,” said Dr. Belle.
She added that the Secretariat’s outreach programs play a critical role: “When people get tested early—when they understand their risk—that saves lives long before anyone needs a hospital bed.”
Dr. Belle also encourages the public to participate in the AIDS Secretariat’s upcoming World AIDS Day activities. She highlighted the HIV Symposium for the general public at the Multipurpose Centre on October 26 as an excellent opportunity to learn about HIV prevention and the current situation in Antigua and Barbuda. She also urges parents, teachers, and principals to send representatives to Teen Talk on October 28—a daytime event designed specifically for adolescents, offering age-appropriate education and guidance.
Dr. Belle notes that the hospital’s message for World AIDS Day centers around prevention, early diagnosis, and empowerment—not fear.
“HIV is treatable. We should expect people with HIV to live long, full lives. But the only way to benefit from treatment is to know your status. That’s why we fully support the AIDS Secretariat’s continued push for accessible testing, accurate information, and open conversations. Testing regularly for HIV is crucial for persons of all ages, genders and sexual orientations. We should all make it a part of a regular health check.”
The hospital also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Health, the AIDS Secretariat, and other national partners to ensure a coordinated, evidence-based response that strengthens prevention, reduces stigma, and improves the quality of care for all people living with HIV.
World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1. SLBMC extends gratitude to the community organizations, health professionals, and advocates who continue to push for awareness, access, and dignity for those affected.
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