Support for Jamaica's HIV response has come from Jamaican-born actress and pre-eminent AIDS activist Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Ralph was presented as a spokesperson for the national HIV response at a cocktail reception held in her honour at the Knutsford Court Hotel on Tuesday evening.

Speaking at the event, Ralph reminded that HIV is not a homosexual disease and that the primary mode of transmission for HIV, especially among persons of African descent, was through sex between a male and a female.

She further maintained that with an estimated 32,000 Jamaicans living with HIV - half of whom do not know that they are infected - it is cause for national attention and concern. She was particularly passionate about the effect of HIV on young people and urged Jamaicans to take responsibility for HIV now.

"We are Jamaicans and we can do anything! HIV is beatable, treatable and preventable. Let us each commit ourselves to ensuring that our children will not bear the burden of HIV because we refused to act," Ralph said. "In an age-appropriate manner, we must begin to have open, honest conversations with our children about sex and sexuality so that they can make a better, more well-informed choice for themselves when they decide to have sex. Waiting until they are adults, already having sex, is far too late."

Presently, approximately 75 per cent of HIV-positive Jamaicans are between the ages of 15 and 49 years, with notable prevalence and high-risk behaviour among young people below age 24.

Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson noted that Ralph will bring increased visibility of the national HIV response. He feels this will engender public support and investment towards the sustainability of HIV treatment, care and prevention services in Jamaica.

The health minister also noted that her passion will serve as an impetus for Jamaicans to put an end to HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

Sheryl Lee Ralph is the founder of The DIVA Foundation, which is an international, non-profit organisation that focuses on generating resources and producing events that raise awareness and educate millions of people worldwide affected and infected by HIV/AIDS.

The foundation utilises music, entertainment and voice as vehicles to inform, educate and reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination.