BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Barbados health authorities are seeking to assure nationals that every effort is being made to minimise the likelihood of resistant strains of the HIV virus occurring here.

“The Ministry of Health has assured the public that Barbados’ progress in its national HIV prevention and control campaign has minimised the likelihood of resistant strains of HIV occurring here. Actions taken include the identification of HIV cases; linking those cases to care; and providing HIV-specific drugs,” according to a government statement issued here.

It quoted Senior Medical Officer of Health, Dr Anton Best, as explaining that the new strain, known as CRF19, was more lethal than other strains.

He said it had also been observed in Africa but in too small numbers to be fully researched. Experts had indicated, he said, that based on past experience in Africa, the appearance of the strain in Cuba was likely to remain an isolated incident.

Earlier this week, Caribbean countries were expressing concerns over the new strain of the HIV virus with St Lucia and Dominica urging nationals to be aware of the virus.

“Though funding for HIV has reduced globally, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Human Services and Gender Relations has continued to keep the citizenry informed of the developments in HIV/AIDS,” said Dr Alisha Eugene, Senior Medical Officer for Infectious Diseases in St Lucia.

The senior medical official said that the best way to fight HIV is the age old prescription to abstain, condomize or be faithful to one partner.

The head of the HIV/AIDS Coordinating Unit, Julie Frampton warned citizens to make the right choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health in light of the new report on the HIV virus.

“Of course we are concerned from an economic standpoint; do we have the money to treat persons with new strains of HIV, can the treatment we have now work,” said Frampton, noting that the new strain of the virus sends a message that “you have to be responsible for your sexual and reproductive health; nobody can do that for you, always use a condom all the time, every time, on time”.

The Barbados Ministry of Health said that it has begun discussions with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) regarding the new discovery and is conducting a review of the available literature.

“The ministry continues to encourage all Barbadians to practice safe sex and to continue to follow public health guidance with respect to the prevention and control of HIV,” the statement added.