Caribbean Leads Global Decline in AIDS-Related Deaths, But Challenges Remain

The Caribbean has achieved the world’s steepest decline in AIDS-related deaths – 62 percent between 2020 and 2024 – according to UNAIDS’ Global AIDS Update Report: AIDS, Crisis and the Power to Transform. This progress places the region ahead of seven others globally, underscoring its resilience amid economic strain, natural disasters, and declining external funding.

The report credits expanded access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) for much of this success. In 2010, only 53,000 people in the Caribbean were on ART; by 2024, that number had risen to 250,000.

Today, 85 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 74 percent are on treatment, and 66 percent are virally suppressed – up from just 33 percent in 2017. AIDS-related deaths dropped to 4,800 in 2024 from 6,100 in 2020.

Despite these gains, UNAIDS warns that progress on preventing new infections remains insufficient. New HIV cases in the Caribbean fell by just 21 percent since 2010 – far below the global reduction of 40 percent.

In 2024, 15,000 new infections were recorded, with Haiti accounting for 38 percent, followed by the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Jamaica. Young people (ages 15–24) make up 25 percent of new cases.

Richard Amenyah, director of UNAIDS Multi-Country Office in the Caribbean, praised regional governments, civil society, and partners like PEPFAR and The Global Fund for their collaborative efforts. He emphasized the need for stronger political leadership, greater domestic investment, and integration of HIV services into broader health systems to maintain momentum toward the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.

UNAIDS also called for renewed focus on addressing stigma, discrimination, and social determinants of health – particularly among youth and key populations – to prevent infections and treatment disruptions. While domestic funding increased from 30 percent in 2023 to 38 percent in 2024, more investment is needed to ensure long-term sustainability.

“AIDS will not end without sustained partnership, country ownership, and equitable access to prevention and treatment,” Amenyah said. “The Caribbean proves that even under pressure, progress is possible.”