SVG Health officials warn of rising HIV cases among young adults and older men 

By Admin. Updated 10:29 p.m., Friday, June 26, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Health officials are urging Vincentians to practise safer sex after reporting an increase in HIV-positive cases, particularly among people aged 25 to 29 and men aged 60 and older.

Chief Health Promotion Officer Shanika John-Trent issued the warning during a Ministry of Health press conference on Thursday, June 25, where she stressed that HIV remains a significant public health concern despite advances in treatment.

“We continue to see an increase in a number of cases,” John-Trent said.

Although she did not disclose the number of new infections, John-Trent said the highest number of recent HIV-positive cases is being recorded among people aged 25 to 29, while men aged 60 years and older also continue to account for a significant proportion of positive diagnoses.

Addressing younger adults, she cautioned that HIV transmission remains a real risk regardless of sexual practices.

“We do understand that you get creative and that you get innovative with your sex practices, but we’re asking you to remember that HIV and AIDS are still possible,” she said.

John-Trent reminded the public that a person’s HIV status cannot be determined by appearance and urged sexually active individuals to protect themselves.

“The only way that you can do that is by protecting yourself. Use a condom every time you have sex, especially if it is not your partner, and if you and your faithful partner have not tested yourselves,” she advised.

Her comments come against the backdrop of figures released earlier this year by Director of the Health Security Unit Donna Bascombe, who said St Vincent and the Grenadines has recorded just over 900 HIV-positive cases since 1985.

According to Bascombe, at least half of those individuals are currently receiving care through the country’s health system. She also reported that recent viral load assessments found approximately 173 people living with HIV to be virally suppressed, meaning treatment has reduced the amount of virus in their bodies to very low levels.

Bascombe also highlighted concerns over other sexually transmitted infections, revealing that 41 people tested positive for syphilis during the first quarter of 2026, including 17 men.

The Ministry of Health has consistently encouraged people to know their HIV status through regular testing and to seek treatment promptly if diagnosed.

In 2024, the Health Security Unit reported 32 new HIV infections, equally divided between males and females, with officials stating that about 80 per cent of those newly diagnosed were receiving treatment. Health officials also noted an increase in HIV infections among adolescents and young adults, alongside a rise in syphilis cases.

The Ministry continues to encourage consistent condom use, regular HIV testing and adherence to treatment, noting that early diagnosis and appropriate medical care enable people living with HIV to lead longer and healthier lives.

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