NASSAU, The Bahamas --- Young people between the ages of 10-25 years of age represent 50 per cent of the persons who become infected with HIV/AIDS in the English-speaking Caribbean, Minister of Health Dr the Hon Hubert A. Minnis said on Thursday. 

Addressing the opening of the third HIV Testing Day at The College of The Bahamas, Dr Minnis said AIDS is the leading cause of death among young men between the ages of 15-44. 

“Therefore, getting the education and awareness message out to young people in these age-group categories is a key element in the prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS in The Bahamas,” Dr. Minnis said. 

“Young people need to have the motivation, understanding, skills and tools that will help protect them from HIV infection and AIDS,” Dr Minnis added. 

The Health Minister lauded the organizers of the event for encouraging Bahamian students to get tested. He said too many persons who should be tested for HIV/AIDS are not coming forward to be tested for fear of discrimination. 

“Events such as this galvanize students to come forward and get tested,” Dr. Minnis said. 

The event was organized by students in the Sociology of Human Sexual Behaviour and Social Dimensions of HIV/AIDS Classes at the College of The Bahamas. 

Organizers say more than 200 persons tested negative for HIV/AIDS during a similar exercise in 2008. 

“It is hoped that many more would take up the challenge this year,” they said. 

Health officials say HIV/AIDS is unique among diseases in that it spreads very quickly; primarily affects young people between the ages of 15-49 and that persons who contract HIV may remain infectious for many years without knowledge of having the virus or showing any symptoms, which further increases the chances for spreading the disease. 

The disease also reduces life expectancy, which is related to productivity and education; breaks down social cohesion while challenging value systems and results in prolonged illness, resulting in greater, extended costs on public healthcare services, individuals and their families. 

Photo: Minister of Health Dr the Hon Hubert A. Minnis chats with students attending the third HIV Testing Day which was held at The College of The Bahamas, Thursday, November 19, 2009. The event was organized by students of the Sociology of Human Sexual Behaviour and Social Dimensions of HIV/AIDS Classes at The College of The Bahamas. Two hundred persons tested negative for HIV/AIDS during the 2008 event. Organizers were anticipating that many more persons would take up the challenge and be tested this year. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)