AIDS in Haiti: 1982-1992

Abstract

Haiti was one of the first countries where AIDS was recognized, a burden that led to the stigmatization of an entire nation resulting in serious long-term economic, social, and psychological consequences. Sixty percent of urban hospital beds are now occupied by patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS is the leading cause of death in sexually active adults and increasingly has become a disease of women and children. AIDS threatens to reverse the decrease in infant mortality achieved during the past decade. In spite of educational efforts, the "silent epidemic" continues in all parts of the country and within all strata of society. The current HIV seroprevalence is 10% in urban areas and 5% in rural areas. AIDS is known but not understood; counseling modifies behavior in only 10%-20% of at-risk persons. This distressing situation is likely to worsen in view of the ongoing political crisis since almost all AIDS-education programs are dependent on foreign support.