5,100 HIV/AIDS deaths recorded annually in Caribbean – PAHO

…urges action on late-stage diagnoses, prevention, care

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has revealed statistics that shows that despite many efforts to end the HIV/AIDS scourge in the Caribbean, a significant number of persons still die from the disease every year.
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) findings revealed that approximately 5,100 people still die each year from HIV-related causes. Moreover, the organization revealed that one-third of the HIV cases are identified in advanced stage.
These facts formed critical areas for discussion at the regional workshop: “Uniting Science and Communities to Accelerate HIV Response in the Caribbean,” hosted in Trinidad and Tobago last week. The International AIDS Society (IAS) and the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) led the initiative in collaboration with The Global Fund, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Plataforma LAC.
During her remarks at the high-level engagement, PAHO Advisor for HIV/STI/TB and Viral Hepatitis, Caribbean Sub-regional Office, Sandra Jones, highlighted that the Caribbean has progressed with HIV prevention and treatment services and innovations in HIV service delivery.

However, she noted that the Caribbean did not achieve the 90-90-90 targets, and data from the 2024 UANIDS Report indicated that the region is not poised to achieve the 95-95-95 targets in 2025. She underscored that this may affect the ultimate goal of ending AIDs as a public health threat in 2030.
“Despite 40 years of the epidemic, one-third of the HIV cases are identified in advanced stage. The Region needs to scale up HIV prevention with effective linkage into care early through the implementation of the “treat all policy”, to reduce late diagnosis while providing different innovations and interventions aimed at reducing HIV mortality, especially for those with advanced HIV,” she declared.
Also present at the engagement was Advisor, HIV Care and Treatment, PAHO/WHO Dr Omar Sued, who highlighted that the region is equipped with the tools needed to combat the HIV scourge.
“We have the tools to eliminate HIV. There are accessible HIV tests, effective antiretroviral treatments, and robust preventive strategies, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP),” he said.
He referred to the data regarding the number of persons who die each year from HIV-related causes in the Caribbean, and underscored that many of these are preventable.
“During this meeting, we aim to focus on critical strategies to end HIV as a public health problem. This includes normalizing and increasing the volume of HIV testing, reducing stigma and discrimination in the healthcare sector, and expanding the care package for advanced HIV. We believe strategic investments in these targeted interventions can significantly reduce preventable deaths. This is not only the right thing to do, it is also the smart thing,” he said.
Director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit, Dr Wendy Telgt-Emanuelson, noted that the discussions are happening at a critical moment in the Region’s HIV response.
“This workshop is especially significant because it speaks to the unique challenges and urgent needs we face in the Caribbean. These topics are not just timely, but essential in guiding our efforts to bridge the gap between science, policy, and the experiences of those we serve…Together, we can continue the regional response that is impactful,” she said.
The workshop aimed to provide a platform for HIV-related health and social service providers, key community actors, youth, researchers, Government representatives and policymakers to brainstorm bridging the gap between evidence-based science, policy and action. The meeting was pivotal to sustaining the Region’s HIV response, advancing discussions on investing in healthcare infrastructure, and creating a more sustainable future, wherein the economic effects of HIV are minimised, allowing the People of the Caribbean Community to lead healthier, more productive lives.

<2021–2026 commitments>
If targets and commitments in the strategy are achieved, the number of people who newly acquire HIV would be decreased 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 would see the number of new HIV infections drop from 150,000 in 2019 to less than 22,000 in 2025.

<<95-95-95 targets>>
Ninety-five per cent of people living with HIV know their HIV status; 95% of people who know their status are on treatment; and 95% of people on treatment with suppressed viral loads.