HIV/AIDS in Guyana

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (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.
HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 32 million lives so far. By the end of 2018 there were 37.9 million people living with HIV. Due to gaps in HIV services, 770 000 people died from HIV-related causes in 2018 and 1.7 million people were newly infected. In 2018, for the first time, individuals from key population groups and their sexual partners accounted for over half of all new HIV infections globally (an estimated 54 per cent) in 2018. For eastern European, central Asian, Middle Eastern and North African regions, these groups accounted for around 95 per cent of new HIV infections.
At the end of 2018, an estimated 79 per cent of people living with HIV knew their status. An estimated 23.3 million (or 62 per cent of all) people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 53 per cent had achieved suppression of the HIV virus with no risk of infecting others.
Between 2000 and 2018, new HIV infections fell by 37 per cent and HIV-related deaths fell by 45 per cent, with 13.6 million lives saved due to ART. This achievement was the result of great efforts by national HIV programmes supported by civil society and international development partners.
On this note, in September, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence revealed that 500 new HIV cases were recorded in 2018. Some 8200 persons are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Guyana.
This was revealed by Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence on Monda at the launch of World Aids Day 2019, which is to be observed on December 1.
“Our statistics reveal that there are 8200 children, adolescents, youths, women and men living with HIV. In 2018, about 500 new infections occurred in Guyana mainly from key populations and young people.”
The Minister was keen to note that of the 8200 persons living with the virus, 93 per cent of them know their status, making Guyana the only Caribbean country to achieve the first 90 of the United Nation Aids (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 target ahead of the 2020 timeline.
The 90-90-90 target aims to diagnose 90 per cent of all HIV positive persons, provide antiretroviral therapy for 90 per cent of those diagnosed, and achieve viral suppression for 90 per cent of those treated by 2020.
When it comes to the other targets, 73 per cent of infected persons are presently on treatment and 81 per cent have so far achieved viral suppression so they can no longer transmit the infection to their partners.
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.
In Guyana, HIV accounts for over 200 deaths annually, with over 8500 people living with the infection. 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.