–Min. Lawrence warns, in hope of deterring stigma, discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS

MINISTER of Public Health, Ms Volda Lawrence, on Friday made quite an unusual request.
That request had to do with taking a pledge to be always mindful of what one says or does, particularly in the presence of persons who might be living with HIV/AIDS.

“If we can eliminate stigma and discrimination, then it means that we would be able to achieve our goal of the elimination of HIV and AIDS in Guyana,” she urged patrons gathered Friday evening at the National Cultural Centre for the annual ‘Flame & the Ribbon’ concert, now in its 25th year, in observance of World AIDS Day. That was after she’d elicted a promise that they would do as asked, always bearing in mind that Persons Living with HIV-AIDS (PLWHIV), or any malady for that matter, are at their most fragile and sensitive at this time in their lives.

She made the point, too, that while Guyana may have made significant strides in reducing the number of persons affected by HIV/AIDS, there’s still much more to be done in terms of support in keeping the figures down.
So as persons could have a fair idea of where we are in the Region, Minister Lawrence said: “Today, Guyana has moved from Number Two in the Caribbean, to Number Seven on the list of persons affected by HIV and AIDS.”

On the downside, however, things don’t look so good for the Region in general, as according to the minister, the Caribbean has the second highest rate of HIV prevalence in the world after sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated adult prevalence rate of 1 per cent, and approximately 250,000 people living With HIV.
In Guyana, about 8000 people are affected by HIV/AIDS, but according to the minister, only about 5000 are receiving care.

And while the reduction in the number of persons living with HIV/AIDS is remarkable, she stressed that there should be concern for those who are not receiving the treatment.
Moreover, she said concern should be given to those persons within the 14–24 age group who are being tested positive for HIV.
“The drugs are available,” she said, but posited that it is the stigma and discrimination in society that scare people from accessing what is afforded to them.

The minister also commended Artistes in Direct Support (AIDS), the non-governmental organisation (NGO) responsible for the show, on sustaining this support for 25 years, and for being the voice of people living with HIV/AIDS.
This year’s show used the creative arts, drama and song and dance, to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS and other ailments like Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) while dispelling any form of stigma or discrimination.

World AIDS Day 2017 was observed under the theme: “The Right to Health.” Describing the theme as “very apt,” the minister also related that it is the right of people to ensure that the government provides the necessary tools and finances to ensure you have access to treatment and care.