The Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in Anguilla from 1988 to 2011

Adekunle Sanyaolu

doi:10.26717/bjstr.2020.25.004238

Abstract

This study was carried out on the Caribbean Island of Anguilla for the purpose of analyzing surveillance data related to the epidemiology of HIV infection in Anguilla from 1988 to 2011. We retrieved data from the National AIDS Programme office for research purpose. Data on HIV/AIDS in Anguilla were retrieved from 1988 to 2011 and analyzed with particular emphasis on the year 2011. The retrieved data provided key information on new cases, deaths, and treatment of existing cases. Result analysis shows that by December 31, 2011, the cumulative number of all HIV cases diagnosed since the surveillance started in 1988 was 42. Males accounted for 23 (54.8%), while females accounted for 19 (45.2%) of the diagnosed cases. There were 17 cases comprising 12 males (70.5%) and 5 females (29.5%), HIV-related deaths within the same period. No cases of AIDS were reported in the study period. The year with the highest number of HIV diagnosis was 1996, with 7 confirmed new cases. HIV prevalence in Anguilla is estimated to be 0.19%. The number of tests conducted in 2008 holds steadfast as the highest in the 4 consecutive years from 2008 to 2011. There were 9 clients that received treatment and care from the Clinical Care Coordinator within the period under review. Data provided in this study shows a gradual decline in the incidence of HIV infection in Anguilla since it was first diagnosed in 1988. This is attributable to public awareness, surveillance, and access to antiretroviral treatment (ARVT).

Highlights

Similar to the rest of the world, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 is the most commonly seen virus in the Caribbean [1]
Data provided in this study shows a gradual decline in the incidence of HIV infection in Anguilla since it was first diagnosed in 1988
This study provides a detailed account of the epidemiologic findings on HIV/Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Anguilla from 1988 to 2011, with particular emphasis on the year 2011

Summary

Introduction

Similar to the rest of the world, HIV-1 is the most commonly seen virus in the Caribbean [1]. In 2007, the estimated prevalence of HIV infection in the Caribbean was approximately 1.6% [4]. There were 1,500 new HIV infections diagnosed in the Caribbean in 2017 [2], whereas in 2005, roughly 37,000 people were diagnosed with HIV [4]. Of all Caribbean HIV infections, roughly 70% were recorded on the island of Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic), followed by Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago [1]. HIV prevalence rates vary among the Caribbean countries with the Bahamas rate at 3% and Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago greater than or equal to 2%, while Cuba’s rate is less than 0.2% [5]. Of all AIDS-related deaths, 87% occurred in the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica [3]

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion