The prevalence of STD's in the Caribbean

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Bwoy, these days you really have to be careful the choices you make in life. There are so many people out there with STD's.

Did you know that the HIV virus that causes AIDS can stay in the body for as long as 10 years before symptoms start showing? That means, if you slept with someone with HIV without protection, you could catch it from them, then change your ways, stop sleeping around, get married, have kids, then one day, 10 years later, catch pneumonia or one of the other characteristic ailments associated with a weakened immune system, and be diagnosed with HIV.

:eusa_thin

:(

[BlackCryptoKnight]

General statistics and prevalence

At the end of 2003, an estimated 430,000 people were living with HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean. Of these, 52,000 were newly infected during 2003. It is estimated that there were 35,000 deaths due to AIDS that year.

In three of the seven countries in this region - the Bahamas, Haiti and Trinadad and Tobago - more than 3% of the population is HIV-postitive. Higher prevalence rates are found only in sub-Saharan Africa, making the Caribbean the second-most affected region in the world. Nearly half of adults living with the virus are women.

AIDS is now one of the leading causes of death in some of these countries, with Haiti being the worst affected. An estimated 24,000 lives are lost each year to AIDS in Haiti, and 200,000 children have been orphaned by the epidemic.

Taken from AVERT.org (http://www.avert.org/caribbean.htm)

[BlackCryptoKnight]

AIDS threatens GDP of Jamaica and Trinidad
Thursday, June 24, 2004

GEORGETOWN, Guyana: A recent study by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Health Economic Unit and the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) estimates that by next year Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago could lose between 4 and 6.4% of their Gross Domestic Product as a result of the impact of HIV/AIDS.
http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/2004/06/24/aids.htm

AID's has a serious economic impact.

[AngelsKiss]

BCK I have been aware of this for a while now. I saw a documentary that spoke about the statistics in Africa and the Caribbean. It's extremely sad that this is the case. We need to educate as many ppl as we possibly can.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

BCK I have been aware of this for a while now. I saw a documentary that spoke about the statistics in Africa and the Caribbean. It's extremely sad that this is the case. We need to educate as many ppl as we possibly can.

Indeed. It's particularly alarming when you hear about people making risky life choices and not considering the consequences.

More stats can be found :

http://www.nacjamaica.com/aids_hiv/facts_figures.htm

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/jamaica_statistics.html

[AngelsKiss]

I think part of the problem is not just lack of education, but also some ppl have the mentality that it won't happen to them.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

I think part of the problem is not just lack of education, but also some ppl have the mentality that it won't happen to them.

That is so very true. There are also some people who have been infected, and who are viciously moving to spread the disease to others. I've heard of cases where this has happened. That's why people need to be careful and not hop in the sack with anyone who will give it up.

[AngelsKiss]

Which is where education comes in. I don't know how many ppl are getting involved in outreach programs any more but, these programs can help reach out to ppl, especially int he inner cities.

I will be down in Nov and I am going to try to meet with one of the YMCA while I am there. I use to be on the board for one of the YMCA as well as a rep at the National Level. Hopefully I will remember, but I am going to mention this to them and try to see if they can hold some seminars for the young men and possibly their parents. It's usually hard to get the parents but if we can reach out to the youngsters at least its a start.

If any one interested in giving some time to the YMCA in Spanish Town/ Kingston/Montego Bay let me know and I can put you in touch with the ppl in charge.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

What's really sad are the cases where innocent people contract these infections from their partners. People doing things on the side and bringing home the infection. Really messed up. :(

More education is definitely needed. But I can't help but think that if people took certain moral guidance seriously, it would help reduce the incidences of infections drastically. In many campaigns, they talk about protection, but abstinence isn't highlighted very much. That's the best way to avoid infection - just abstain until you get married. And when you get married, be faithful and don't cheat.

People today don't want to hear about that though... :eusa_snoo

[AngelsKiss]

What's really sad are the cases where innocent people contract these infections from their partners. People doing things on the side and bringing home the infection. Really messed up. :(

More education is definitely needed. But I can't help but think that if people took certain moral guidance seriously, it would help reduce the incidences of infections drastically. In many campaigns, they talk about protection, but abstinence isn't highlighted very much. That's the best way to avoid infection - just abstain until you get married. And when you get married, be faithful and don't cheat.

People today don't want to hear about that though... :eusa_snoo

BCK...the fact that ppl dont want to hear about abstenance means that we can't give up. We also have to get them to understand that if they dont want to abstain to at least take the necessary precautions.

I support the issue of abstenance, however, if we have to come to them at another level where we talk protection, then that's just what we should do too. We shouldn't bury our heads in the sand and say the only way to go is abstenance. It won't ever come to that, so the next best thing is to at preach protection.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

I don't have a problem with preaching protection, but I'm looking at it from a risk perspective. It is less risky to abstain than to be promiscuous and use protection. Condoms aren't 100% effective. They can break. They can have defects. All it takes is one breakage or defect in 1 condom to allow infection to occur. If you abstain, there is no opportunity to get infected via intercourse.
So abstenance is the more effective method of protection.

True, not everyone will want to abstain. And rather than let the disease spread, they should use protection. But I just feel the benefits of good morals and abstenance should be highlighted more in the educational efforts.

[Cocoa]

But do you think that abstaining from sexual intercourse is going to stop the spreading of diseases? There are other ways to catch it you know and other things to do to get it. I think they should continue to educate yes and stress the importance of using protection.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

But do you think that abstaining from sexual intercourse is going to stop the spreading of diseases? There are other ways to catch it you know and other things to do to get it. I think they should continue to educate yes and stress the importance of using protection.

If you look at the statistics and compare the number of cases of HIV contracted by sexual contact as opposed to other methods (blood transfusion, shared needles etc.) you would see that the large majority of infections are contracted via sexual contact. So right away, abstinence and the cessation of adultery would reduce the instances of infection drastically.

Sure, education needs to continue about all the ways of staying safe - including abstinence and remaining faithful to your partner.

[Cocoa]

Sure, education needs to continue about all the ways of staying safe - including abstinence and remaining faithful to your partner.
I agree on this BCK. :cool:

[BlackCryptoKnight]

This story is not from the Caribbean but it is significant nonetheless:

Two women found with HIV-immune mutant gene
Wang Zhuoqiong
2004-10-01 05:17

SHENZHEN: Two women have been identified as carrying a mutant gene that is immune to HIV/AIDS, the first such cases uncovered in China, a researcher said.

The finding is the joint effort of a research programme, "Association of Human Genetic Polymorphisms with HIV Affections," jointly conducted by the University of Washington in the US State of Washington and local Infectious Disease Hospitals and medical institutions in Guangdong Province.

Tuofu Zhu, associate professor of University of Washington and associate director of the Clinical Core at the Centre for AIDS Research (CFAR), introduced the programme to China a year ago as a part of his global research in nations in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia.

"Before, such mutant genes were only found in Caucasians. The finding has encouraged us to do further research in China, with the aim of developing medicines to prevent and cure HIV/AIDS for different races,"said Zhu.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/01/content_379267.htm

[BMGrip]

People just need to protect themselves and stop being uncleaned. Just be safe and use a condom. Plain and simple!

[Bashment Girl]

Bwoy, these days you really have to be careful the choices you make in life. There are so many people out there with STD's.

Did you know that the HIV virus that causes AIDS can stay in the body for as long as 10 years before symptoms start showing? That means, if you slept with someone with HIV without protection, you could catch it from them, then change your ways, stop sleeping around, get married, have kids, then one day, 10 years later, catch pneumonia or one of the other characteristic ailments associated with a weakened immune system, and be diagnosed with HIV.


This is INFO is slightly out dated! This was true, or what we KNEW as truth about 20 years ago, when doctors weren't very informed, when there wasn't an efficient testing process, when it was stereotyped as a homosexual disease, and when this virus wasn't discussed very much! With more and more discussion and awareness... people are getting tested on a more frequent basis and the likely hood that a person will actually go many years with it their body, with out knowing it.... isn't AS likely. Possible, but not as likely anymore.

In SOME third world countries there is a big issue right now because they are going through a crisis withthe spread of HIV this is mainly due to lack of INFORMATION! It's getting crazy in INDIA.

In the West Indies too but but but.... in the West Indies awareness is there to a degree but most people that have been diagnosed with this virus end up dying sooner because they can't afford the costly medication to keep them healthy.

Serroconversion of the human body from a negative to positive status in regards to HIV is only 3-6 months! So really, if a person get tested regularily... they will know with in ONE YEAR of contracting the virus! BTW there are certain things that can effect a test result ie. pregnancy, other isues with the immune system etc... It is recommended that a person, whether HIV negative or positive, get tested at least twice more over 3 month intervals. Truthfully though, if a person is positive they usually test you many more times to affirm a correct diagnosis.

Symptomps when the virus is first contracted are similar to the FLU. Swollen glands, fatigue, etc. Most people write it off as a flu, ignore it, so after the initial symptoms go away they carry on living as normal just to find out much later on that they hve contracted this virus! Other symptoms may include redrshes that don't itch... they usually go away, but people again ignore them. This is only the first stage by the way.

As time goes by people will notice odd things going on in their body. Example being women tend to get yeast infection on a more and more frequent basis, men may notice blood in their urine.

Some people have reported little to no symptoms, but these are the people who usually have been diagnosed with it early on!!!

I could write so much more because I usually counsel adolcescents about STD's/STI's/and things that they don't usually get out of school... so I've done so much research it's FRIGHTENING to me!!!

I love that there is a thread on this especially since there are so many youths freuquening this site!

KUDOS BCK for starting it!

[Bashment Girl]

I forgot!!!

Early diagnosis is emphisised by healthcare providers.... a person who is diagnosed positive needs certain vaccinations to protect their then, fragile immune system, and medications to kep them healthy for as long as possible so having said that...

Get tested regularly and OBVIOUSLY....

BOOTS BOOTS BOOTS.... Slam, Durex, Trojan, whatever just keep it strapped!!!!

Ok I think I've typed enough for now eh? Sorry guys but sex ed is an area fpr passion for me. Partially because I'm good at speaking, other wise because kids/youths are the BIGGEST VICTIMS right now. Right now the most common diagnosis occurs in people 16-24.... that's scary! So let's talk about it as much as possible keep it from affecting as many people as possible...

[BlackCryptoKnight]

This is INFO is slightly out dated! This was true, or what we KNEW as truth about 20 years ago, when doctors weren't very informed, when there wasn't an efficient testing process, when it was stereotyped as a homosexual disease, and when this virus wasn't discussed very much! With more and more discussion and awareness... people are getting tested on a more frequent basis and the likely hood that a person will actually go many years with it their body, with out knowing it.... isn't AS likely. Possible, but not as likely anymore.

It's not as outdated or as unlikely as you would think BG. I have friends and family in the medical profession here in Jamaica. Time after time they encounter persons who come in for treatment of some ailment - pneumonia or some other illness associated with immuno-compromised people, and that is when the diagnosis of AIDS is made. They never knew before. They never got tested.

It is true that testing technology has improved etc. but if you never get tested, you won't know until symptoms start showing. When symptoms start showing, it's a sign that the virus has been in the body for a long time.

I hear stories of spouses contracting it from extra-marital affairs then brining it home. I've heard of people who have had unprotected sex with dozens (and if you believe some of the guys, hundreds) of partners and contracting it, then wondering how it happened. I've heard of teenagers and young kids having sex and getting it. It's just crazy.

The message warning of STD's is out there but not eberyone is listening.
I guess it's hard to compete with popular culture which is so focused on sex.

[Bashment Girl]

It's not as outdated or as unlikely as you would think BG. I have friends and family in the medical profession here in Jamaica. Time after time they encounter persons who come in for treatment of some ailment - pneumonia or some other illness associated with immuno-compromised people, and that is when the diagnosis of AIDS is made. They never knew before. They never got tested.

The last thing you said is the reason for that..... they never got tested!!!! The conditions you're talking about... in a particular case like that.... this person most likely already has full blown AIDS (which is defined by a T cell or white cell count of under 500)... in this condition a person who gets ANYTHING... even a minor cold... they can end up being hospitalized! This situation though, is due to them not getting tested, not the development of symptoms or anything of that nature.

People in this day and age should not be relting on symptoms to know if they are infected with STI's or STD's. If you have sex get tested!

It is true that testing technology has improved etc. but if you never get tested, you won't know until symptoms start showing. When symptoms start showing, it's a sign that the virus has been in the body for a long time.

There are early symptoms that occur with in 3-6 weeks of contracting it and most people ignore them unfortunately. The most common one is swelling of the gland in the neck, or arm pits. You're right that if you don't get tested you'll never know until symptoms come about, which CAN take up to 15 years even depending on the state of that persons immune system when contracting it! If it was weak to begin with the could develop symptoms within a couple years.... that's why we talk about it because NO sexually active human being in 2004 should go longer than 1 year with out testing... why? Because of your next paragraph....

I hear stories of spouses contracting it from extra-marital affairs then brining it home. I've heard of people who have had unprotected sex with dozens (and if you believe some of the guys, hundreds) of partners and contracting it, then wondering how it happened. I've heard of teenagers and young kids having sex and getting it. It's just crazy.

The message warning of STD's is out there but not eberyone is listening.
I guess it's hard to compete with popular culture which is so focused on sex.

I wouldn't blame pop culture I would blame it on CARLESSNESS, and irresponsible people!!!! Most youths I speak to tell me they don't think it will happen to them. They still have idiotic stereotypes in their head about who contracts it and who doesn't! Some people still teach their kids that only gay people get it, or it's only really going around in Africa. They don't realize they can get it from tattooing, piercing, oral sex, from blood transplants, from all sorts of methods. They thought is was only needles and intercourse.

I even find some doctors are ignorant to new develpments in AIDS research, some of them are unaware of the new medicinal developments too. That's scary too, just like there are specialists for skin, eyes, feet etc, there should be for AIDS/HIV... STDS' in general. Did you know that before the outburst of HIV/AIDS... information about the immune system was limited? Now some general practitioners are more educated than others BUT... there shoud be a specialist that people get reffered to.

EVERY human can contract it if they're not careful, so we need to educate youths properly. When I show them my research that I do to talk to them.... they get scared by all the stuff they didn't know!!! I think talking about it is imparitive.... and people who are having sex, even if using a condom..... GET TESTED!!!

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Let's not forget that there are other STDs and STIs out there. Plenty of things to be careful of.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

A sad story showing why it is important to behave responsibly...

Widow, mother of four tells how HIV/AIDS changed her life
BY ANN-MARGARET LIM Observer staff reporter
Monday, December 06, 2004

A widow and mother of four, infected by the HIV/AIDS virus, left some members of the congregation of the Swallowfield Chapel in Kingston in shock yesterday, when she spoke freely how the deadly disease changed her life.

Tall, dark and slender, the woman (referred to only as Camille, but whose photo we were asked not to use), didn't look like someone who was dying, as she told her story - one of betrayal, secrecy and stigmatism.
Her natural hairstyle was bunched in one by a white band and she wore blue jeans skirt and a white blouse.

Camille, who discovered her HIV/AIDS status in 2001 and who sometimes referred to herself by her first name, was one of three speakers at the chapel's morning service, yesterday.
Read full story here... (http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20041205T210000-0500_70877_OBS_WIDOW__MOTHER_OF_FOUR_TELLS_HOW_HIV _AIDS_CHANGED_HER_LIFE.asp)

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Nelson Mandela's last remaining son has died of AIDS.

Read about it here (http://allafrica.com/stories/200501070037.html).

This didn't happen in the Caribbean, but it's relevant to us nonetheless.

[ramesh]

Now, hopefully, will that country do something about the disease and not pretend it doesn't exist.

[priceless_d]

Now, hopefully, will that country do something about the disease and not pretend it doesn't exist.
thats true all over the world with this disease. why they dont' spend the money to find a cure for it.

[Bahama Mama]

It is unfortunate that the Caribbean region has the second highest AIDS rate in the world. HIV and ulitmately AIDS is a killer that is taking too many of us. But I think one of the reasons that the Caribbean has such a high HIV/AIDS rate is the mentality that many of us have towards the disease itself, and the way in which we chose to deal with our own human sexuality. There is alot of stigma surounding AIDS, and many persons that are infected with this diease because of fear of discrimination, violence, abandonment, and stigmatization do not seek out treatment and support groups that can ultimately extend their lives and improve the qualityof it.

There is also the problem of WIMOTDL (West Indian Men on the Down Low). These would be West Indian men who sleep with men but also sleep with women (girlfiends or wives), and dont consider themselves gay. Obviously because of the extreme homophobia and machismo that often times exist in many Caribbean societies . Also the high level of infidelity among some West Indian men that has some of them skipping form one woman to the next, in some cases form one island to the neaxt, sleeping around. As a result women in particular who are unfortunately contracting the disease at an alarming rate even over that of men (particulalry Black women) become infected. Of course women cheat as well and so it also goes both ways.

If there can be a shift in our mentality we can see the prevalence of this disease decrease dramatically in my humble opinion.

[Chicokid]

HIV/AIDS, the worst thing that can happen in any society. There are alot of means of getting the disease but the main one is sexual intercourse.

You may wanna excuse my language here. Last year's world AIDS day recognition on December 1st, it was reveiled that women are vunerable to the disease more than men. Examples were given with respect to Haiti and these places. But the fact is there are some NASTY women out there who would have sex with every guy around the corner for money and fasionable items. Most common site for me in Grenada is a pregnant woman around the town. Imagine the first baby in 2005 was born for a 16 yr old. :icon_eek:

People need to control themselves. I recommend abstainance until you find that true someone. Marry them and be faithful to them for the rest of your life. If you must have sex, use a condom properly.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

There is also the problem of WIMOTDL (West Indian Men on the Down Low). These would be West Indian men who sleep with men but also sleep with women (girlfiends or wives), and dont consider themselves gay. Obviously because of the extreme homophobia and machismo that often times exist in many Caribbean societies . Also the high level of infidelity among some West Indian men that has some of them skipping form one woman to the next, in some cases form one island to the neaxt, sleeping around. As a result women in particular who are unfortunately contracting the disease at an alarming rate even over that of men (particulalry Black women) become infected. Of course women cheat as well and so it also goes both ways.


There was a study done recently which revealed that married women are at high risk of contracting STD's because of their partners infidelity. That's a messed up situation.

Part of the stigma is that HIV/AIDS is a "gay" disease. The reality is that it doesn't discriminate. Heterosexuals are at high risk. Promiscuity in any form - whether heterosexual or homosexual, puts people at risk of contracting STDs.

There are plenty of women hop skipping and jumping into bed with several men and spreading the disease, just as there are men who do the same. There are even those who know they have the disease and intentionally seek to spread the infection. So people, be careful.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Do people have any idea how rampant HIV is on the UWI and UTECH campuses?

You kids better get smart. Plenty of you running around living loose and exposing yourselves to all sorts of terrible things and y'all don't even know.

Check yourselves.

[Manu]

Do people have any idea how rampant HIV is on the UWI and UTECH campuses?

You kids better get smart. Plenty of you running around living loose and exposing yourselves to all sorts of terrible things and y'all don't even know.

Check yourselves.

I know that for a fact...thank god I was never the type to try "masterkey" (seeing if your key can open every lock)

[d_knight]

They started looking at aids as a national security risk.

In Jamaica, an estimated 22,000 persons are living with HIV, 65 per cent of whom are unaware they carry the virus. In 2004, there were 1,112 new infections and 665 AIDS deaths. Sixty-seven children were infected and 230 children under the age of 18 years were orphaned due to the death of one or both parents.


Jamaica as usual has the highest infection rate within the region. If you missed the article and would like to read get it here (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20050821/focus/focus1.html)

Taken from the gleaner on August the 21'st 2004.

[Manu]

I suggest that everyone here who is sexually active to get an A.I.D.S test, whether you use condoms or not. It is free and can be done at the University Hospital by the C.H.A.R.E.S. Dept. or by 2a Upper Musgrave Ave. They are free and confidential.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Definitely get tested, but also live your lives responsibly. Don't take unnecessary risks. Don't complicate your life. Focus on what's important. Don't throw you lives away for a few fleeting moments of pleasure, or for image, or ratings, or ego or whatever. Don't let your urges control you. Control your urges.

There are people out there walking around with HIV who look perfectly healthy, and attractive, who are still sleeping around and spreading the disease. They don't tell the people they're with that they are infected. It is very scary.

I've heard of research (unconfirmed) that suggests that as much as 20% of the UWI student population has HIV. I'm trying to confirm this, because that's a statistic that makes my head spin. But even if it's not as high as 20%, I'm sure that it is high, considering the amount of promiscuity and risky behaviour that takes place on campuses all over the world - and definitely at UWI.

Young people, be very careful.

[Manu]

I think that those stats are damn near reality BCK. The type of activities that take place on campus...even between security guards, ancillary staff members and UWI students and some don't use protection. The wild orgy parties on the halls. Some things that are out of this world and the type of girls involved...by just seeing them...you never would've guessed. Also, homosexuals run rampant on campus. I sure that deviant males (i.e. Bi-sexual and homosexual) are probably near 50% of the male populus of the campus so anything is possible.

[kelly]

I know that for a fact...thank god I was never the type to try "masterkey" (seeing if your key can open every lock)
well good for you manu, but remember that sex is not the only way to get STD's. :)

[Manu]

well good for you manu, but remember that sex is not the only way to get STD's. :)

Yeah but...they always open the syringe infront of me...;)

[BlackCryptoKnight]

I think that those stats are damn near reality BCK. The type of activities that take place on campus...even between security guards, ancillary staff members and UWI students and some don't use protection. The wild orgy parties on the halls. Some things that are out of this world and the type of girls involved...by just seeing them...you never would've guessed. Also, homosexuals run rampant on campus. I sure that deviant males (i.e. Bi-sexual and homosexual) are probably near 50% of the male populus of the campus so anything is possible.

Yuh see it now... some people are just plain stupid. Sorry, right now mi a bun out di political correctness biznezz. People fi stap do dem foolishness deh an' live dem life proper. In this day and age, that kind of loosness can cost you your life. People need to wake up and face reality.

[kelly]

Yeah but...they always open the syringe infront of me...;)
yes well that's one way of putting things in perspectives. :)

[Jae]

They started looking at aids as a national security risk.



Jamaica as usual has the highest infection rate within the region. If you missed the article and would like to read get it here (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20050821/focus/focus1.html)

Taken from the gleaner on August the 21'st 2004.

Cuz we have to succeed at every blasted thing, even when it bad. :eusa_eh:

[d_knight]

you know it. killing, diseases, the whole works... first world by 2017 nuh LMAO is my response to those articles i read with statements from the moronic governing officials.

[Twinkie]

Promiscuity in any form - whether heterosexual or homosexual, puts people at risk of contracting STDs.

So people, be careful.

Umm BCK, promiscuity usually gives you the impression of multiple/simultaeneous partners. In a case where me and him been togadder of for two years, stooking wid boots, him go out jus ONCE and screw without boots, then six months later we decide we gone try for a baby and him infect me, does his case fall under "Promiscuity"??

And you know this can happen

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Umm BCK, promiscuity usually gives you the impression of multiple/simultaeneous partners.

Dictionary.com definition of the word promiscuous
1. Having casual sexual relations frequently with different partners; indiscriminate in the choice of sexual partners.
2. Lacking standards of selection; indiscriminate.
3. Casual; random.

So yes, using the word promiscuity does imply multiple partners being involved.

In a case where me and him been togadder of for two years, stooking wid boots, him go out jus ONCE and screw without boots, then six months later we decide we gone try for a baby and him infect me, does his case fall under "Promiscuity"??

He would have had multiple partners - you and the other person. He would have had a casual encounter with that person (if there wasn't any commitment there). So it could be viewed as promiscuous behaviour on his part. But whether it is considered promiscuous or not, it is definitely risky behaviour.

[Twinkie]

He would have had multiple partners - you and the other person. He would have had a casual encounter with that person (if there wasn't any commitment there). So it could be viewed as promiscuous behaviour on his part. But whether it is considered promiscuous or not, it is definitely risky behaviour.

Risky on his part. Multiple kinda sound likE four or five, but the point is not lost on me. I feel, as extreme as it sounds, that my husband and I will be having protected sex, throughout our marriage.


[ Is there really a difference in feeling anyway?? i'm lost :eusa_eh: ]

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Risky on his part. Multiple kinda sound likE four or five, As long is the number is greater than 1, then it's multiple. ;)

but the point is not lost on me. I feel, as extreme as it sounds, that my husband and I will be having protected sex, throughout outr marriage.
Nothing wrong with that. There was a survey recently which indicated that married women in the Caribbean seem to be very much at risk for HIV - their husbands were bringing home the infection after their exploits.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

How aware of the HIV situation are the young Caribbean people of today?

[Chicokid]

How aware of the HIV situation are the young Caribbean people of today?

I think enough is being done to educate the youths about HIV/AIDS. Such is done in schools and the media. Such include encouraging the use of condoms and choosing one partner for life. At the end of it, the youth must be responsibile for their choices and decisions.

That reminds me, Thursday Dec 1st was World AIDS Day and it is estimate that 25 million people around the world are infected. Africa accounts for most of that figure.

[tiffany]

I had heard that there are 40 million people liviling with aids.

[Chicokid]

I had heard that there are 40 million people liviling with aids.

Remember there are those who are infected and don't know they are.

[tiffany]

I heard that they say AIDS could mutate and become an airborne virus.

[easyskanka]

I had heard that there are 40 million people liviling with aids.

Your quoted figures are the correct ones Tiffany,Unfotunately.And blacks bear the overwhelming brunt of these figures:(

[tiffany]

and its no accident that black bear the overwhelming blunt of these figures

[Chicokid]

I had heard that there are 40 million people liviling with aids.

You're right...I wonder where I got the 25 million figure :eusa_wall

Here's an article of interest:

Women, young people increasingly hit by AIDS in the Caribbean


GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala (AFP): More than 2.1 million people live with HIV-AIDS in Latin America and the Caribbean, where Thursday's World Aids Day was marked with increased public warnings to act to stop the spread of the disease.

"Just in 2004, some 240,000 people in Latin America and another 53,000 in the Caribbean area were infected with HIV, which means that 33 people are infected every hour with the virus that causes AIDS," said Gladys Acosto, director of UNICEF in Guatemala.

In Cuba, health care workers, sports figures and artists took to the streets to hand out AIDS information and free condoms to mark World AIDS day.

Cuba, which has one of the lowest rates of HIV in the region -- .07 percent of the sexually active population -- has waged an aggressive prevention campaign, including free treatment, local production of anti-retroviral drugs and education.

But the Caribbean generally has the second highest prevalence rate in the world, with 2.3 percent of the population affected, according to Acosto.

In hardest-hit, impoverished Haiti, 260,000 people are infected with HIV.

UN officials have seen optimistic signs in Haiti and neighboring Dominican Republic, according to the latest UNAIDS report. Fewer pregnant women are infected, more sex workers are using condoms and services such as voluntary testing are increasing.

Nevertheless, "it is worrying that the young population is becoming infected at a very accelerated rate," said a 2005 International Labour Organization report on Central America and the Caribbean released.

"We are seeing a feminization of the epidemic throughout the region, with a high number of young people among the new infections," it said.

A record 40.3 million people live with HIV/AIDS in the world.


Taken from Caribbean Net News (http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/2005/12/02/hit.shtml)

[easyskanka]

I sometimes have to wonder about this AIDS pandemic. I mean after such a hard fought struggle against the worst form of tyranny and the scourge that is apartheid,the country of South Africa finds it's newly liberated peoples(overwhemingly blacks) falling victim to this savage disease.

I can't help but again wonder if this really is all just a miserable coincidence or if there is more to all this than meets the average eye.As a black person and a human being I make no apologies for showing and having this concern.

I know that if the the shoe was on the other foot and whites for example were being decimated at the rate their black counterparts currently are, there would be far more feverish activity happening to control and see off this horrendous killer disease.

Our lives are as valuable as anyone else's and it really is time to throw off this yolk of mental imprisonment and revere ourselves as highly as the Einsteins, Newtons etc.We are no longer just expendable cargo to be thrown overboard when our carcasses prove valuless.

Let's make a bold attempt to have some real pride and dignity in who we are and not just aspire to be like who we are not.Diversity has it's place and we are a contributory factor to it, so let's pull together and get our act together.It is not a sin or a crime to do so. If we don't make a concerted effort, there ain't no one else who's going to struggle on our behalf for us, so come on and put your backs and shoulders to the grindstone and let's get to work people.

God helps those who help themselves.

[Twinkie]

I'm a proud Black woman. Jamaican, but balck and still proud none the less. In recent times, maybe with the passing of World AIDS day it has been revealed that quite a large percentage of Jamaicans are also being diagnosed with this AIDS thing.

It's so scary because younger and younger girls are having sex. Where most boys get a "jook" as young as twelve with either a older neighbour or "fast" sistren, the average age for girls years back was around CXC or 6th form time 15-17.

This is scary because there is also a "bareback" mentality ensuing as well.

I wonder if we will end up like South Africa in ten years??

[nuhsenutten]

well the bareback mentality i dont have ....i did it once and mi fret like a mad man .........mi not puting myself thru that again.

but most young men these days arent taking steps to protect themselves.......all they boast about is how many baby mothers them have ............


but our women also need to make sure that they protect themselves..........

[Jae]

Ha ha ha bareback. Never!!!!

[Twinkie]

It's so true nuhsenutten. I know among certain circles, when I mention that I also walk into the Pharmacy and order Durex, there are stares of wonderment and astonishment!

I mean, I need to keep myself safe and even though in comparison, a baby is better than a life ending disease, I want neither.

What's wrong with a woman carrying around "boots" to make sure, when she ready for a one pop, if he's not carrying any, she's ready??????

[Twinkie]

BE CAUTIOUS

As with everything this season, such as drinking and partying, Ms. Foster advises that persons engaging in one-night stands should be careful. "The major problem sometimes with such affairs is that the person forgets to be careful and this leads to sexually transmitted diseases." Men and women have always engaged in casual sex and the prevalence of the practice only lessened with the threat of exposure to HIV/AIDS.

In addition, a promiscuous life may in the future be detrimental emotionally. "Sometimes leading such a life is difficult to choose a mate because persons developed a pattern to be irresponsible and immature," Ms. Foster notes that many lose the thrill of one-night stands as they mature.

If in 2006 you still want to be single and unencumbered, perhaps a one-night stand is your answer this Christmas: just remember the condom!
Just a little something I read in the Gleaner's Flair this morning.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

If in 2006 you still want to be single and unencumbered, perhaps a one-night stand is your answer this Christmas: just remember the condom!

Any argument touting promiscuity and one-night stands as "answers" as long as there is condom use is to me, irresonsible. Condoms can break, and can be defective. Wearing one doesn't justify irresonsible behaviour nor does it provide complete safety.

[acidblade]

Any argument touting promiscuity and one-night stands as "answers" as long as there is condom use is to me, irresonsible. Condoms can break, and can be defective. Wearing one doesn't justify irresonsible behaviour nor does it provide complete safety.
:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap