Nassau, Bahamas — Practically 4,000 persons are dwelling with HIV within the Bahamas, well being officers revealed, because the nation recorded 156 new instances of the virus in 2024.
Minister of Well being and Wellness, Michael Darville, introduced at a press convention that 3,988 individuals have been dwelling with HIV on the finish of 2024, which represents roughly 1.1 per cent of the inhabitants. Darville additionally highlighted that since 2010, there was a 47 per cent lower in new HIV infections.
Dr. Nikkiah Forbes, Director of the Nationwide HIV/AIDS and Infectious Illness Programme, supplied extra particulars, noting that residents of New Windfall accounted for almost all of recent instances at 82 per cent, adopted by Grand Bahama at 10 per cent, and different islands contributing the remaining 8 per cent.
Males made up 63 per cent of the infections final yr.
The information additionally confirmed that the age group 30–39 represented the most important share of infections at 36 per cent, whereas these aged 40–49 accounted for 19 per cent, individuals 50 and older for 17 per cent, and younger individuals 15–24 for 14 per cent.
One case of mother-to-child transmission was additionally reported in 2024.
