National

Bahamas Records Alarming Rise In Chlamydia

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – February recorded a high of 89 chlamydia cases and a low of 50 in New Providence alone. It’s a cause for alarm.

Published

1 year ago

March 12, 2025

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme Director Dr. Nikkiah Forbes, WHP called the triple-digit figures alarming.

It’s a frightening figure, considering the ministry reported a monthly high of 89 in 2024 with a low of up to 50 cases monthly.

But an even bigger concern, according to Dr. Forbes, is the likelihood that the figures recorded are an not accurate representation of cases.

Dr. Nikkiah Forbes – Director, National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme
“People can have symptoms and they can go and seek treatment. They may not have a lab test to confirm it and we have to pay attention because if we see chlamydia rates going up, they may be followed by other STIs like gonorrhea, syphilis, and indeed hiv although we do not have the complete data to bear that out at this time.”

STI’s like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis can be mild and can exist without your knowledge.

In the case of chlamydia, though, infected individuals could experience pain during urination, abnormal discharge, and low abdominal pains.

Data from the Ministry of Health and Wellness reveal that the majority of cases were recorded in New Providence.

24% of the cases were recorded in people age 15-19 and another 24% in ages 20-24.

Additionally, 76% of the recorded cases were confirmed in females.

Dr. Nikkiah Forbes – Director, National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme
“Prevention is key. STIs are preventable and here is how. Practice safe sex. Reduce risk for STI and some of those ways may include mutual monogamy and limiting the number of sex partners in cases where that is not being done well practice safe sex and use condoms and by testing partners.”

Dr. Philip Swann – Acting Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health and Wellness
“We are ensuring that we have the medical treatments in place in our pharmacy and as a policy decision today we have moved away from any cost associated with providing that treatment to patients who would’ve tested positive.”