AIDS cases in 1995 lower than expected in Barbados

The number of AIDS cases reported in the former British colony of Barbados in 1995 was below projections, but doctors warned that the population should remain concerned about the epidemic. "Although the latest figures were lower than our projections, there is still cause for concern," said Carol Jacobs, chairman of the National Advisory Committee on AIDS. "The figures are slightly below our statistical projections, but we are still very concerned about the situation." Barbados recorded 50 AIDS related deaths in the last half of 1995, the Ministry of Health reported. In addition, 46 new cases were reported and 91 people, including 9 children under the age of 5, tested positive for HIV. Since the disease was first diagnosed in Barbados in 1984, 632 cases have been reported, while 1,250 are HIV positive. Jacobs credited the lower number of cases to prevention programs. "The fact that the numbers are not as high as predicted suggests that more Barbadians are beginning to respond to prevention messages and advice and are practicing safe sex through the use of condoms," Jacobs said. "We can only hope that next year's report reflects the same trend."