World Aids Day: Four People Diagnosed With HIV This Year – Two Deaths

Health Minister Kim Wilson has disclosed that four people were diagnosed with HIV this year and two people diagnosed with the virus earlier have died.

The Minister’s comments came on World AIDS Day (Dec 1), which she said was a day “to reflect on how far we have come”.

“It is also an opportunity to focus on raising awareness and understanding of the disease and the importance of knowing one’s status,” she added.

“Deaths among persons with HIV in Bermuda continue to be low, likely due to advancement and availability of care, treatment and support.

“Additionally, deaths occur among persons of older ages, and the reported causes of death among persons with HIV may not be directly related to their HIV infection.”

She also urged residents to know their HIV status by getting tested.

“Being diagnosed and starting treatment at an early stage ensures that you have a better chance of living a long and healthy life,” said Ms Wilson.

“You can have the test done by your doctor, or you can go to the Communicable Disease Control Clinic at the Hamilton Health Centre.”

People considered at risk were urged to get tested more often, including those who have had more than one sexual partner since their last HIV test, those with other sexually transmitted diseases and those who had sex with someone with an unknown HIV status – should be tested more often.