Jamaica

Key Results in 2024

HIV prevention and treatment improved by decentralizing the laboratory system and expanding PrEP access.
Official certification for eliminating the vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis achieved.
Adolescent-friendly HIV services were expanded, reaching 18,000+ youth through clinics and Teen Hubs.
Community-led HIV advocacy was bolstered by training transgender leaders and peer mentors.
Stigma was reduced and HIV-related human rights enhanced via safe spaces, upgraded monitoring tools, and global advocacy support.

Joint Programme Results

In 2024, HIV prevention, treatment, and other adolescent health services improved through the decentralization of laboratory systems, expansion of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services and the scaling up of adolescent-responsive care. These actions were supported through coordinated technical assistance, policy support and advocacy (UNICEF, WHO).

A combination prevention plan was updated, with gap assessments and actionable recommendations. HIV prevention efforts progressed with the continued development of a national PrEP protocol, including capacity building, monitoring and evaluation systems and advocacy initiatives (WHO). To strengthen HIV treatment systems, a plan for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) service delivery was drafted. Support also guided the integration of HIV surveillance into national health systems, laying the groundwork for more efficient diagnostics and care (WHO).

In 2024, Jamaica received official certification from WHO for eliminating the vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis thanks to the Joint Programme’s support to the government. Support focused on data collection and validation during high-level HIV fora, including annual HIV review, as well as engagement with people living with HIV networks and guidance to meet the gender, human rights and community engagement requirements (UNICEF, WHO, UNAIDS Secretariat).

Adolescent-focused HIV services expanded with over 18,000 adolescents accessing care in 2024. Forty-two adolescent-friendly clinics provided sexual and reproductive health (SRH) counseling, mental health support and HIV testing, while two Teen Hubs logged over 12,000 visits. Gender-responsive HIV programming gained momentum as girls made up 55% of service users. Although youth outreach efforts were impacted by the suspension of the Yute Chatz activities, advocacy continued through trained student and youth leaders. Collaboration with the Ministry of Education also advanced youth-led HIV education, culminating in the finalization of the training curriculum and the delivery of educator training (UNICEF, UNFPA, UNAIDS Secretariat). Youth leaders also debated and identified solutions to improve HIV prevention and treatment for young people during a sitting of the National Youth Parliament (UNAIDS Secretariat).

HIV incidence per 1000 uninfected populations

Source: AIDSinfo

AIDS mortality per 1000 population

Source: AIDSinfo

Progress towards 95-95-95 targets

Source: AIDSinfo

Community-led HIV responses gained strength through advocacy, peer support, and gender-sensitive approaches. TransWave Jamaica advanced advocacy led by transgender people by training communities on HIV and healthcare access, stigma and inequalities. A key outcome included the creation of three advocacy videos on HIV treatment, PrEP access, and allyship, reaching over 4,000 social media users (UNFPA).

The Jamaica Community of Positive Women (JCW+) enhanced HIV treatment adherence and SRH access for women living with HIV. Fourteen peer supporters were trained and outreach was extended to additional women. HIV-related SRH materials for women living with HIV reached over 200 women, but gaps in funding and digital access limited reach, especially in rural areas. Efforts will continue to integrate peer mentors into national systems and securing long-term funding (UNFPA, UNAIDS Secretariat).

The Jamaican Network of Seropositives (JN+) received support for creating inclusive spaces in healthcare and education (UNDP) and shared experiences and knowledge on HIV criminalization and stigma at the 2024 World AIDS Conference (UNDP). An assessment of gender responsiveness in Jamaica’s HIV response was undertaken (UNAIDS Secretariat).

A 2025 workshop will build leadership among women living with HIV through the Beijing+30 framework, focusing on stigma reduction. These efforts aim to strengthen gender-responsive HIV policies and position women living with HIV as key change agents (UN WOMEN).