New HIV cases decreases 2 years in a row

The HIV/AIDS programme of the Ministry of Health has evolved as treatment and education about the disease also refocuses. The statistical data shows that Belize has documented a decrease in new HIV infections.  The dip has held steady since a plateau in new infections was reached in 2008.   The stats show a fourteen percent decrease in 2009, when compared to 2008. And the 2010 data shows a further reduction of thirty-three point eight when compared to the 2009 data.  Essentially since the beginning of the millennium, 2010 is the first year in which less than two hundred and fifty new infections have been documented. But there is a caveat in the report. Because of the utilization of the Belize Health Information System, the issue of double counting which has once plagued the stats, has vanished.  And that may have played a role, though minute, in the overall counting. The data shows a shift in the districts which have new infections. In 2010, Belize still holds the distinction of the district most affected by new infections with one hundred and sixty five, however, Cayo now ranks second with thirty-six recorded infections for 2010.  Stann Creek ranks third with twenty new cases.  When it comes to persons living with full blown AIDs, of eighty-one cases, the Belize District has thirty eight cases followed by Stann Creek with twenty one cases. We’ll have more on the National TB, HIV and other STI’s Programme Annual Report on Wednesday’s newscast.