28,000 Jamaicans living with HIV as government targets 40% reduction in new infections

The Jamaica Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) has launched Jamaica’s National Strategic Plan for HIV (2023–2030), outlining steps to reduce new HIV infections by 40 per cent by 2030.

The plan, unveiled on February 9, is aimed at strengthening the country’s response to HIV and advancing efforts toward epidemic control.

Delivering the keynote address at the launch, Minister of State, Krystal Lee, said the strategy provides a clear roadmap for tackling the disease.

“Our prevalence rate stands at around 1.1 per cent and an estimated 28,000 people are living with HIV. Our response then must be broader and more impactful than ever before. The vision is for a Jamaica free of new HIV infections and AIDS. This National Strategic Plan is grounded in shared responsibility, human rights, and sustainability,” the State Minister said.

Jamaica has made notable progress in its HIV response, including a 35 per cent reduction in new infections since 2010, high levels of HIV status awareness, and the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis in 2024. However, challenges such as high rates of sexual activity among adolescents, as well as stigma and discrimination, continue to create gaps in service delivery.

“We will scale the prevention tools that work: condoms, targeted outreach, HIV testing and self-testing, post-exposure prophylaxis, and pre-exposure prophylaxis for those at substantial risk,” the State Minister noted.

The launch also coincides with Safer Sex Week, being observed from February 9 to 13, 2026 under the theme, “Tek Charge: Safer Sex with Endless Possibilities!” Jamaicans are being encouraged to take responsibility for their sexual health by making informed choices and accessing prevention and treatment services early.

Members of the public are urged to use condoms consistently and correctly, know their HIV status through regular testing, and reduce the number of sexual partners. Adolescents are also being encouraged to delay sexual activity.

Recent data underscores the urgency of the issue. In 2024, approximately 1,100 people contracted HIV in Jamaica, with about 25 per cent of new infections occurring among young people aged 15 to 24. Jamaica is also one of four countries contributing to 90 per cent of new infections in the Caribbean.

Of the estimated 28,000 people living with HIV—about 1.1 per cent of the population—roughly 15,000 are not on treatment, while only 14,000 are virally suppressed, raising concerns about gaps in care and treatment coverage.

The Ministry said the Strategic Plan is expected to drive a more coordinated national response, with a focus on prevention, expanding treatment access, and reducing stigma.