THE United Nations (UN) yesterday officially launched “the United Nations HIV/AIDS Joint Programme of Support (UNJPS) 2013-2016”, in an effort to assist Guyana in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic. 

The event took place at the office of the UN, Brickdam.

The UNJPS is designed to reinvigorate the dialogue between the UN and the National HIV Stakeholders, towards what is envisaged in the “HIVision2020” which is the elimination of HIV in Guyana.
According to UNAIDS Country Director, Dr. Roberto Campos, the UNJPS will contribute to the achievement of five of the eight targets set at the 2011 UN High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS,
These include, reducing HIV sexual transmission, eliminating HIV new infection among children, avoiding tuberculosis (TB) deaths, accessing treatment and eliminating stigma and discrimination against persons living with these infections.
He noted that each agency which is involved in the UNJPS will be allotted their own tasks, which will be applied after they have made a common agreement among each other.
Campos stated that in order to achieve these targets all UN agencies in Guyana, in addition to providing technical assistance to the National HIV response, will mobilise US$306 400 through the UNJPS.

Some 51% of the funds will be devoted to the reduction of new HIV infection among children, 20% towards reduction of HIV sexual transmission, 15% towards the reduction of TB deaths and the remainder will be allocated for the treatment and Stigma and Discrimination.
A representative from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Ms. Marianne Flach, in her address stated that since the year 2000 efforts have been made to ensure the widespread of HIV/AIDS is contained.
She noted that this year due to the proper funding by the joint agencies, a more compact programme will now be implemented to combat this epidemic.
Flach further noted that this programme will now open up opportunities for Guyana to access Universal treatment for these deadly viruses.
She stated that each agency has a role to play in order to make Guyana a HIV/AIDS free nation sometime in the near future.
She commended the Government for their continuous support towards this initiative and hopes to receive their continued support throughout the programme.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Leslie Cadogan, stated that the Ministry of Health (MOH) wishes to reiterate its thanks to the UN agencies that have been supporting the Ministry in its effort of responding to the epidemic of HIV/ AIDS.
He also encouraged the UN to bring more agencies on board to assist in the fight against an epidemic which has been going on for years.

(By Navendra Seoraj)