Bahamas: Number of New AIDS Cases Reported Last Year Declines

The number of reported HIV/AIDS cases and deaths declined last year in the Bahamas, health officials said. In 2008, 263 new HIV cases were reported, down slightly from 287 cases reported in 2007, said Dr. Perry Gomez, director of the national AIDS program. There were 185 AIDS cases in 2008, a drop from 221 cases the previous year and 329 cases in 2006. AIDS mortality also declined, from 72 deaths in 2007 to 65 deaths in 2008. "We have achieved a lot during the many years in fighting HIV/AIDS in the Bahamas," Gomez said. "The Bahamas has a mature generalized heterosexual epidemic and figures indicate that we have over the years had a strong HIV/AIDS program and care and support for people with HIV."

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