Protecting HIV-Positive Children in Jamaica: Exploring Policy, Practice and Institutional Responses

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is widespread in Jamaica with circa 32,000 individuals, including circa 2,700 children and young people, a prevalence rate of approximately 1.7% of the adult population (Ministry of Health, Jamaica, 2011). This is a threat to development in a country of 2.7 million. Lack of education, stigma and discrimination are among the key drivers behind the spread of HIV in Jamaica. This study was convened to understand the schooling experience of HIV+/AIDS children and young people in Jamaica. At the moment, there is only a limited body of research literature on this topic in the Caribbean. The theoretical perspective used to scaffold this study was based in Human Rights. Documentary Analysis, Focus Groups and In-depth Interview were the main qualitative methods used in this two-phase socio-legal study. The main conclusions arrived at are that HIV+/AIDS children and young people are well supported by a tapestry of international, national laws and policies, and local support services that coalesce to safeguard the status and personhood of an HIV+ young person.