Many of the Caribbean's hiv positive patients are choosing to keep their status secret from their sexual partners; they continue to have unprotected sex. aids awareness programmes in the region have yet to wipe out the curious belief that if people look healthy, they cannot possibly be infected. The ostracisation which most aids sufferers who go public face makes matters worse.

Suggestions to check the spread of the disease and protect the partners of the victims range from bringing forth legislation to developing education policies. While apparently no efforts are being spared to combat the secrecy and misinformation surrounding the disease, the success rate is not encouraging.(ips)