The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability (MHES) is advising the public that there is currently no evidence of a cluster or increase in HIV cases in Cayman Brac, following concerns raised during the First Sitting of the Fourth Meeting of the 2025-2026 Parliamentary Session on Wednesday, 4 March.

Following the concerns raised, the Ministry initiated an immediate review with Public Health officials to assess the information and determine whether any public health response was required.

Since the matter was raised, Ministry officials have been working closely with colleagues from the Public Health Department (PHD), the Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration, and Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) to review available public health information and reported cases in order to assess the claims and determine whether any additional public health measures may be required.

“While we will not be providing any individual’s personal medical information, what I can confirm is that, based on the information currently available, there has been no indication of a cluster or notable increase in reactive HIV tests among Cayman Brac residents,” explained Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, Medical Officer of Health.

“Our Ministry team will continue to work closely with Public Health and WORC as this review remains ongoing,” said Dr. Hilary Wolf, Chief Medical Officer. “We will also be conducting a broader evaluation of current processes to determine whether any improvements are needed to further strengthen public health protections.  This is also an important opportunity to remind all healthcare providers across the Cayman Islands that HIV is a notifiable disease and must be reported to Public Health officials in accordance with the Public Health Act (2026 Revision) and established protocols.”

HIV testing is available year-round through the PHD and at Faith Hospital upon request. Free community testing clinics are typically held annually in June during HIV Testing Week and again in December in observance of World AIDS Day.

“In light of the recent concerns, we will be working with the team in Cayman Brac to increase the availability of free testing clinics over the coming weeks to ensure that anyone who wishes to be tested can easily access these services,” Dr. Williams-Rodriguez added.   Beginning on Wednesday, 11 March through until Friday, 20 March,  free HIV testing will be available at the medical wing of the Aston Rutty Centre every Wednesday and Friday from 10am-12pm.

Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister of Health, Environment and Sustainability, emphasised the Government’s commitment to protecting public health.

“The health and safety of our people remain our top priority,” the Minister stated. “My Ministry will continue to work closely with Public Health officials and our partner agencies to safeguard the wellbeing of our communities and to ensure that accurate information is shared with the public.  It is also clear that renewed public education and awareness are essential to strengthening our collective efforts to protect the community. As part of that effort, one of the most important steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of HIV is to consistently practice safe sex.”

The Ministry will therefore be working with the PHD and the Cayman Islands Red Cross in the coming weeks to strengthen public awareness efforts and ensure that residents have access to reliable information about HIV, including how it is transmitted and how individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones.

Public health officials also remind the community that HIV is a manageable medical condition and that individuals living with HIV deserve privacy, respect and support.

The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates to the public should any new information arise.

For more information on free HIV testing services, please contact the Public Health Department:
Cayman Brac: 244-7643
Grand Cayman: 244-2648
Little Cayman: 244-7661

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