As the World observes Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS} Day 2021, statistics in Guyana show that over 9000 people are currently infected by the deadly disease.
Adding to an already compound situation with the COVID-19 Pandemic, the health sector also faces the challenges of reducing infections.
This was revealed by the National AID Secretariat in collaboration with the Ministry of Health when the two hosted a ceremony to acknowledge the ongoing fight against AIDS. This fight has been ongoing since the diagnosis of the first AIDS case some four decades ago.
Under the theme: “Ending Inequalities. End AIDS. END Pandemic” it was noted by Programme Director of the Aids Secretariat, Tariq Jagnarine, that some 9022 are infected with the disease. There were 71 new cases in 2021 alone, in which more young people continue to be at the forefront of contraction.
Dr Jagnarine explained that of the total, 94% of a person living with HIV knows his status, 70% remain on treatment with antiretroviral drugs while 83% are virally suppressed. There are 50 sites around Guyana that are geared to test.
Dr Jagnarine said that there is the need for a greater fight against disease from the wider community since more and more, there have been several elements that have contributed to a high number of cases.
“These challenges clearly indicate to us that to end AIDS and defeat the COVID-19 Pandemic; we must eliminate the challenges relating to inequalities, stigma and discrimination by putting people at the centre and ground our responses in gender rights, and human response approaches.”
Dr Jagnarine said that one way we can fight AIDS and succeed in ending the disease by 2030 is by knowing that AIDS remains relevant in our society and we must do all we can to protect ourselves and others.”
The Secretariat also emphasized that there remain challenges that are affected by the fight. These must be addressed.
“Throughout the year there were many challenges compounded by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Some of them included delays in our consumables or ARV Condoms, Lubricant.
Stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV were worsened by the COVID-19 Pandemic. This led to gender-based violence. There was a lack of regional ownership and involvement in the HIV programme.
A high level of follow up worsened during the pandemic. We had a low viral load testing, slow vaccine uptake, and a weakened paper-based system.”
Dr Jagnarine said that this has put the programme in some level of shambles since people also with the virus have not even returned for treatment.
While acknowledging the problems facing the fight, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony noted that there must be a way in which the young people are the target to stop the high spread and it’s a focus that should be revitalized with education.
“We can prevent infection by doing a number of things. We have to educate people. So, those young people who are coming of age and want to experiment must know that they have choices.
“They must know how to protect themselves. We have spoken about this for a long time; we have talked about family life education in schools and we need to reinforce that so that young people can have the right knowledge and make the appropriate choices.”
Additionally, Minister Frank Anthony said that PREP Programme must be used also to stop the spread. Self-testing will be a way out.
While noting the hindrance of the pandemic, Dr. Anthony also explained that the only way out of the COVID problem is through a high vaccination rate.
