Caribbean people make up one of the largest growing groups of people testing positive for HIV in the UK. Statistics also show that the number of people living with HIV in the Caribbean region is also rising. Denial is not working, the situation needs to be addressed by the politicians and the media. Small signs of hope are starting in Jamaica with government adverts promoting condoms, but there is a long way to go. Music plays a big part in the local life and in setting the cultural agenda. Sadly some deejays continue to condemn people and make derogatory remarks about their health and sexuality. As there is so much cross over of culture to British based Caribbean people, until this can change confidentiality, disclosure and stigma will still play a big part in the lives of HIV+ Caribbean people.

In a recent consultation funded by Kings Fund, The Positive Place contacted HIV+ Caribbean people who were not accessing services. Most of the people spoken to said they did not attend groups as they were afraid that they may see someone they knew. This brought about continued fears of disclosure and stigma, with many people coming from small Islands they feared that gossip would spread  very quickly and get back home. They also found that if people had family or friends, and they knew their status, it was never discussed. Some people said that since diagnosis this consultation was the first time they had discussed their issues with anyone.

Many of the people contacted found it very difficult to talk about their HIV status. This is partly due to a culture where health and especially sexual health is not generally discussed. Additionally HIV specific issues around confidentiality and stigma create a further isolating barrier. Once people felt they were in a safe environment, getting them to stop talking became the greater issue!

To read more http://www.blackhistorymonthuk.co.uk/hiv/no_need_to_hide.html