Antigua and Barbuda’s National AIDS Program Manager, Delcora Williams, says a legal gap in the country’s sexual health laws is putting teenagers at risk by allowing them to consent to sex at 16 but barring them from accessing HIV tests, STI treatment and contraception without parental approval until 18.
“It is almost like we are setting them up to lose,” she said. arguing that teens who are legally allowed to be sexually active should also be able to seek confidential care.
She said the mismatch fuels secrecy, delays treatment and is contributing to rising HIV infections.
Williams said several teenagers in Antigua and Barbuda are already living with HIV, and others may be avoiding testing because they cannot access services privately. She expects the issue to be a major topic when regional NAP managers meet in April 2026.
Two Caribbean countries have already updated their laws, and Williams hopes similar reforms will be discussed nationally. She said the solution is either raising the age of consent to 18 or lowering the age for accessing care to 16.
About 1,040 people in Antigua and Barbuda are living with HIV, including affected teens, she said, calling for laws that reflect the realities young people face.
