At least 4 persons infected with HIV/AIDS in T&T every day

Before the day is done at least four more persons in Trinidad & Tobago would become infected with HIV/AIDS.

The figure comes from Rodger Samuel, Minister of State in the office of the Prime Minister who spoke about the serious health problem when he addressed participants at a Community Outreach Programme at Harris Promenade, San Fernando.

Rodger Samuel

He also disclosed that the Government invests about US$1,800 (TT$11,300) per year to treat one infected person. The estimated annual cost of treating everyone, he said, is about $1.75 B (TT), which is about 1.25 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Samuel said persons at greatest risk are in the 15-30 age group. He warned that the country could face “tremendous difficulty” if it does not become responsible. 

“HIV has been able to cripple folks in the times when they are most productive to a nation. If we we do not do something, we will find ourselves in tremendous difficulty,” he said.