Barbados faces a critical setback in its HIV prevention efforts as dangerous misconceptions, including the false belief that a cure exists, are gaining traction among the population. Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey issued this stark warning during the Man Aware event held at his constituency office on Saturday, pointing to troubling findings from recent research.
Minister Humphrey revealed that preliminary data indicates a regression in public knowledge about HIV, leading to concerning decision-making and unusual beliefs. “The initial results from our research seem to suggest that the knowledge of HIV is regressing and persons are making unusual decisions, with some very strange beliefs,” Humphrey stated, emphasizing the urgent need to intensify educational campaigns.
The minister called for the reinstatement of dedicated HIV awareness budgets across all government ministries, advocating for a comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy to address critical gaps in public understanding. He cautioned that previous gains could be rapidly reversed through complacency and inadequate educational consistency.
While acknowledging significant advancements in medical treatments that enable people with HIV to live longer, healthier lives, Humphrey unequivocally stated: “HIV is still here, there is no cure for HIV.” He specifically addressed young people, warning against reckless behavior inspired by overconfidence in medical technology: “I don’t want anyone to think that because we have had these advancements in medical technologies, that it means that you can be reckless.”
The Man Aware initiative, launched in 2016 by the National Wellbeing and HIV Commission, was developed to address previous imbalances in outreach efforts. According to Acting Director Lynn Armstrong, the program specifically targets male engagement after concerns emerged that previous campaigns predominantly focused on women through the Speak Sister program.
Saturday’s event combined practical services with educational content, offering free haircuts for the back-to-school season alongside interactive learning activities. These included innovative approaches such as ‘Ups and Downs’—an educational game developed by Jamilia Williams-Phillips—condom demonstrations, and HIV information sessions between musical sets by deejay Ronald Henry. The Live Well Clinic provided on-site health checks, creating immediate access to services in a community-based setting.
Minister Humphrey expressed satisfaction with the initiative’s community impact, noting: “Education has to be spread across the country in a way that reaches people and I think that is exactly what we are doing here.”