Haiti reports 25000 new HIV cases in 2013
Haitian health officials are reporting via their Epidemiological Bulletin for HIV Surveillance #7 (computer translated) that from January to December 2013, there were 25,161 newly diagnosed cases during the year, 12 percent of the cumulative total the island reported from 2000-2013 (206,821).
The recently released report shows that women were more frequently infected at a ratio of 1.7:1. This is consistent distribution pattern seen monthly throughout the year. In addition, about 20 percent of the women infected with HIV were pregnant.
Concerning age groups, adults 30-39 represented the group with the highest percentage of newly diagnosed infections. This is followed by 40-49 years (17%) and 25-29 years (16%). A significant proportion of cases of reported HIV is also observed for the pediatric age group 0-14 years (11%).
When talking about modes of transmission, heterosexual sex was the main risk factor for both men and women, with 62 and 67%, respectively. Six percent is reportedly due to men who have sex with other men. 16% of men and 17% of women reported having sex without a condom. 6% of men and 7% of women reported having sex with an HIV positive person. A history of infection (STI) was reported by 9% of men against 13% of women.
Health authorities report enrolling 18,705 new patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page