Improving community care for persons with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Jamaica

A brief review of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Jamaica is presented along with the details of a pilot programme aimed at training lay persons and practical nurses to assist with home care of persons with AIDS. Current (1997) estimates are that 2 to 4/1,000 Jamaican adults are HIV positive. 2,301 AIDS cases have been reported to the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health, 55% of whom have died. Males represent 62% of reported cases (1421) and children < or = 9 years old, 7% (170 cases). In 1981 a Family Centre was started at the University Hospital of the West Indies to provide support to persons with AIDS and their families. This initiative identified the need to provide special training to persons who would be responsible for caring the AIDS patient at home, where most patients preferred to be managed. All but three of the 41 persons trained in the pilot programme achieved the required standards of attendance and proficiency. Certificates valid for two years were issued and refresher courses will follow.