Grenada has struggled to combat human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) due to social and political issues, including social stigma and political sanctions, according to a study published in the journal Medicine. This has led to fear among Grenadians about reporting their HIV status.

Since HIV/AIDS targets the immune system, this fear can result in loss of life and increase the chances of the disease spreading further.

The 2018 study, conducted by researchers at St. George’s University, indicates that HIV/AIDS prevalence in Grenada has been rising steadily since national surveillance began in 1984.

Geographic Location and Societal Structure

Grenada is a Caribbean country located south of the United States. English is the official language, and the majority ethnic group is Euro-Africans. According to Britannica, most Grenadians follow Christianity, primarily Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, with Roman Catholics in the majority.

Due to these dominant sects, Grenada’s society and government tend to be conservative, particularly in the capital, St. George’s.

Findings on HIV/AIDS in Grenada

Researchers at St. George’s University surveyed 49 Grenadians through online surveys and in-person interviews to examine HIV-related behavior and sexual health. The online surveys were self-administered, while a nongovernmental organization in Grenada, the Grenadian Chapter of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Partnership (Gren CHAP), facilitated the in-person interviews.

Researchers considered participants’ age, residence, sexuality and gender. The study found that age and residence were significant factors, since conservatism varies by location and younger individuals reported less education about sex.

The study found that homosexual and bisexual participants were less likely to test positive for HIV and more likely to use condoms. Conversely, participants who engaged in genital sex and lived in St. George were more likely to test positive.

Participants who visited Gren CHAP in person did so mainly seeking condoms or sexual health information, the study found.

Gren CHAP’s Role in Grenada

The 2018 study noted that Gren CHAP has collaborated with the United Nations and the Grenadian government and has the opportunity to advocate to the Ministry of Health for expanded HIV prevention, testing and outreach. Antiretroviral therapy in Grenada is provided at no charge through community clinics under the country’s National Infectious Disease Control Unit, according to the study.

A separate study published in 2014 in the Journal of Family Medicine and Community Health found that Gren CHAP assisted researchers in recruiting participants to study how stigma affects men who have sex with men (MSM) and their treatment experiences.

The study surveyed 47 Grenadian MSM, with an average age of 28, and divided participants into two groups: Group A, who attended Gren CHAP’s Men’s Forum, and Group B, who did not. The Men’s Forum, a biweekly meeting Gren CHAP has run since 2007, provided a space for MSM to discuss stigma, relationships and HIV prevention.

The study found no significant differences in HIV knowledge or stigma experiences between the two groups. However, Group A was significantly more likely to get tested for HIV every 10 to 12 months.

The researchers noted limitations, including a narrow age range among participants. They suggested that more diverse studies could provide further insight into how stigma affects attitudes and treatment-seeking behavior among MSM.

Though conducted in 2014, the concern about stigma remains relevant, as highlighted by Grenada’s Ministry of Health in 2025.

Ministry of Health’s Stance on HIV/AIDS

Dr. Shawn Charles, Chief Medical Officer, said in an article covering his remarks that Grenada plans to integrate HIV testing, counseling, and treatment into routine primary care to reduce “stigma and discriminatory behaviour” toward people living with HIV. He said the country records between 20 and 30 new HIV diagnoses annually, and more than 400 people were living with HIV in Grenada as of 2023.

While Grenada has taken steps to improve access to HIV/AIDS care, public attitudes toward the disease and those affected remain largely unmeasured.

Gren CHAP continues to provide information about HIV risks facing the MSM community and to advocate against discrimination toward people affected by HIV/AIDS in Grenada.

– Hafsa Hussain

Hafsa is based in Aurora, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr