While in real numbers the number of persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Jamaica may be minor by international comparison, when considered on a percentage basis of the population, the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Jamaica is a matter of great concern.
The Caribbean region is second only to sub-Saharan Africa in its rate of HIV infection. With this worrying reality in mind, UTech has made HIV and AIDS education a priority. The Caribbean statistics are more significant when the Jamaican statistics are considered: the infection rate in Jamaica is the fourth highest in the region after Haiti, The Bahamas and Guyana. The urgency of the University's attention is compounded when it considers that the age cohort where the infection rate is highest in Jamaica is 17-35 - the very age cohort that includes the majority of the University's student clientele, both full-time and part-time students.
Historically, Botswana, which now has a 25% HIV infection rate, had an infection rate equivalent to Jamaica's 10 years ago. With its small population Jamaica cannot afford to develop along the pattern of Sub-Saharan African countries, and must treat HIV and AIDS education as a matter of urgency.
Accordingly, since Academic Year 2002/03, the University has instituted a multi-faceted campaign to fight HIV and AIDS through education and action. The campaign is conducted through a number of projects throughout the year, but the primary activities focus on the period leading up to World Aids Day on December 1 each year.