'Face of Aids' changing

The accepted face of Aids in Jamaica is changing from one of illness and helplessness, experts have claimed.

Dr Kevin Harvey, senior medical officer in the Ministry of Health's HIV/STI control programme, suggested that in the past people in the country have considered Aids sufferers likely to be ill, losing weight and being dangerous to be around.

He told the Jamaica Gleaner that people with Aids are beginning to be treated the same as everyone else.

"We find that most people are willing to sit beside, hold hands, talk to, and even take care of somebody who is HIV-infected, particularly family members. This has been a significant shift we are seeing now," he stated.

"We still have a challenge where persons refuse or have difficulties buying food or eating from somebody who they know to be HIV-infected; but they are more willing to allow their children to go to school with HIV-infected individuals and work alongside them."

The Jamaican Ministry of Health believes that there are around 27,000 people with Aids in the country.

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