Minister Anthony -Minister Anthony Guyana working to end HIV/AIDS by 2030

Guyana’s government is putting measures in place that could see an end to HIV/AIDS here by
2030, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony said Wednesday.
Dr Anthony said that among the measures being advanced is the introduction of the Pre-
Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), which will reduce the risk of infection in persons who have been
exposed to the deadly virus. The health ministry stressed that it will also re-enforce sexual
education in the school system, while encouraging more persons to get tested for the disease.
Minister Anthony was at the time speaking at a ceremony to mark World AIDS Day, at the
National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Hadfield Street. “We can get past that. Despite
COVID we can work to end AIDS by 2030. This has been a dream for a lot of people for a long
time. If we stay on track and if we work hard, we can be able to do that, and that’s what we have
to set our sights on,” Dr Anthony said. He continued, “We can prevent it (HIV) by introducing
PrEP that is, Pre-exposure prophylaxis, meaning that if you believe you are at risk for this
infection then come in to one of our centers and we’ll work with you, assess that risk, do some
tests…once you are eligible, we will then be able to give you the treatment so as to prevent
infections from occurring.”

Minister Anthony explained that the COVID-19 Pandemic has created many challenges in the
fight against HIV/AIDS. He noted that many persons stopped attending clinics, however, the
ministry has been tracking those individuals to get them back on their treatment schedule.
Additionally, the minister said the ministry will seek to ensure more self-testing kits are made
available to allow persons to test themselves in the comfort of their homes.
Meanwhile, National AIDS Programme Secretariat Manager, Dr. Tariq Jagnarine disclosed that
Guyana currently has some 9,022 persons living with HIV/AIDS. Dr. Jagnarine noted that the
disease is having a profound impact on societies around the world. He said in order to end the
global epidemic, the society must come together to support and care for persons instead of
discriminating against them. “Globally the HIV/AIDs epidemic compounded with the most
recent COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound impact on our society, bringing out the best
and worst in people, it triggers the best when individuals group together in harmony to combat
societal, community and individual denial and support and care for people living with
HIV/AIDs,” Dr. Jagnarine.
He added, “Sadly, it brings out the worst when individuals are stigmatised and ostracised by their
loved ones, their families and their community and discriminated against,” he noted. The NAPS
Manager added that over 50 percent of people living with HIV/AIDs in Guyana have been
COVID-19 vaccinated. “The COVID-19 vaccination coverage in persons living with HIV is at
55 percent and that number is climbing, this was achieved through medial outreaches combined
with vaccination drive, one on one counselling session with persons living with HIV,” Dr.
Jagnarine declared.
Meanwhile, the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Ms. Sarah Ann-Lynch said the U.S.
President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) continues support to countries’ fight

against HIV. “It further highlights PEPFAR’s ongoing efforts to assist countries in achieving
sustained epidemic control of HIV, by supporting equitable health services and solutions,
enduring national health systems and capabilities in lasting collaboration, Ambassador Lynch
said. She added, “It also conveys PEPFAR’s deep commitment to ensure that the diverse voices
of all affected ages, ethnicities, genders and population groups are heard and valued in the global
AIDS response.”
The ambassador disclosed that the PEPFAR’s supported programmes have safely ensured access
to HIV services and have significantly expanded while keeping clients and staff safe from
COVID-19. She noted that with seven new facilities equipped to test and treat HIV/AIDs in
Guyana, there are now 50 operating facilities providing services to this group of people.
However, records from the health ministry show a decrease in HIV/AIDs cases this year, with 71
persons testing positive for the infection.