HIV/AIDS in Guyana

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 35 million lives so far with 940,000 people dying from HIV-related causes, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In Guyana, the Public Health Ministry reported that there have been some 247 new cases of HIV recorded at the end of May 2018.
Finance Minister Winston Jordan, during his 2019 Budget presentation, said that the incidence of HIV appears to be rising, with the 20-29 age group showing the highest incidence – 32 per cent of all newly-reported cases in 2017.
“This disease also relies on our lifestyle choices, specifically our decision to use protection, commit to continuous testing and diligently follow treatment prescribed. The Government will continue its public awareness, surveillance and follow-up programmes. We have committed to the international 90-90-90 Treat All Policy towards the eradication of HIV,” he said.
To combat HIV and non-communicable diseases, Government has allocated $1.6 billion for family health care services in 2019.
HIV targets the immune system and weakens the defence systems against infections and some types of cancer. As the virus destroys and impairs the function of immune system cells, infected individuals gradually become immunodeficient. Immune function is typically measured by CD4 cell count.
It is reported that over 36.9 million people are living with HIV at the end of 2017, with 1.8 million people becoming newly infected in 2017 globally.
Some 59 per cent of adults and 52 per cent of children living with HIV were receiving lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2017. Global ART coverage for pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV is high at 80 per cent, the WHO said.
In Guyana, HIV accounts for over 200 deaths annually, with over 8500 people living with the infection. The records indicate that 58 per cent of the infected persons were accessing treatment. The key populations most affected by HIV in Guyana include sex workers, transgender persons and prisoners.
Government has been making every effort to tackle the increase in HIV cases; however, there are several issues along the way. Because of the disparity between the coastland and hinterland, health care is not accessible to all as was reported when it was revealed that pregnant women in the hinterland regions are not receiving HIV tests. This would have been quickly addressed, as it was explained that the lack of testing is owed to some lapses in the delivery system resulting in the late delivery of the testing kits.
The revelation was one of the official findings of the Study on Indigenous Women and Children in 12 communities, conducted by the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF. The study was conducted in villages located in all the administrative regions, including Akawini, Santa Mission, St Cuthbert Mission, Moraikobai, Orealla/Siparuta and River View. The global goal is to eliminate HIV by the year 2030 and achieve the 90-90-90 plan whereby 90 per cent of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90 per cent of the persons who are tested are treated and 90 per cent of those who are treated go into virus suppression.
Youth activists have been calling for a comprehensive sexual education curriculum to be introduced in public schools, noting that it can go a long way in educating children holistically. The Government has made very little strides in the area despite repeated calls from various sections of society. (Times Sunday Magazine)