The prevalence of HIV in antenatal patients is 2%.The overall HIV prevalence rate for The Bahamas is3%.
Prevalence of HIV in Antenatal women, Blood Donors,and STI Clients – 1994 - 2004
The leading cause of death in the age group 15 to 29is AIDS.
1.2 Crack Cocaine Epidemic/Genital UlcerEpidemic and HIV Epidemic
1. The crack cocaine epidemic in the early 1980’sled to an increase in
sex for drugs
and
sex with drugs
. The use of cocaine caused impaired judgment, resulting in persons having sex withmultiple partners (approximately 30 % of personswith AIDS used cocaine).
2. Following on the crackcocaine epidemic, theSTI (SexuallyTransmitted Infections)Clinic documented analarming increase in persons with genital ulcerdiseases like syphilis, herpes, chancroid, andlymphogranuloma venereum (LGV).3. The four-fold increase seen in HIV infection at thattime was an indication that the three epidemics(crack cocaine, genital ulcer disease and HIV)together caused the Bahamas numbers to increasedisproportionately.4. Bahamian Infectious Diseases and STI expertsdocumented the connection with genital ulcerdisease, HIV infection and cocaine use, causingrisky behaviours, which resulted in the spread ofHIV.
2. Collaboration Between Health Agencies,Units, and Departments In the Response tothe HIV/AIDS Epidemic
From the first reported case in The Bahamas, theproblem was seen as a Sexually Transmitted Infection.This fostered the already excellent workingrelationshipbetween theInfectiousDiseases Wardsand Clinics ofthe PrincessMargaretHospital, theComprehensive(S.T.I.) Clinic, the Pharmacy Services, X-Ray,Laboratory Services, Private Physicians, theDepartment of Public Health, Social Services, othersupport services and private allied agencies.
3. Surveillance
Epidemiological surveillance of HIV/AIDS in theBahamas, spans over a twenty year period
3.1 Statistics
are generated in the following ways:Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) with pre-testand post-test counseling, to the following clients:
1.
Antenatal clinic attendees in New Providence andFamily Islands.
2.
STI clinic clients and contacts.
3.
Prisoners during medical assessment on entry toHer Majesty Prison (also VDRL and Mantouxtesting).
4.
Contacts of HIV positive clients.
5.
Referrals from Substance Abuse Agencies
2
Princess Margaret Hospital
Genital Ulcer
Prevalence of HIV in Antenatal Women, Blood Donors and STI ClientsBahamas, 1994-2004
3.3
7.2
5.2
4.7
4
4.8
3.6
3
2.7
2.9
4.2
3.6
3.8
3.6
3.1
3.3
3.1
3.1
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.2
0.2
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.4
0.4
4.4
4.1
3.3
5.4
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
8
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Year
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