There are an estimated 42 million people worldwide living with HIV and AIDS. In the Caribbean, the statistics are alarming. After sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean has a higher HIV prevalence than any other area of the world. The need to control the spread of HIV is critical. Though medical advances have been successful in slowing the progress of the disease, there remains no cure for HIV and AIDS.
In Challenging HIV and AIDS, the contributors, players at various levels in the education sector across the Caribbean, weigh in on the value of education as a means to halt the spread of HIV and AIDS. The contributions are unique to the Caribbean experience and culture and address the root causes of the spread of the epidemic. Reducing ignorance and the accompanying stigma and discrimination as well as addressing issues of sexuality through Health and Family Life Education in schools are identified as effective programmes in addressing the epidemic.