World Aids Day rally told…
HUNDREDS of schoolchildren, clad in white jerseys with the symbolic red ribbon pinned-on, marched through the streets of New Amsterdam, Berbice, in observance of World AIDS Day Tuesday.

They were also acknowledging knowledge of the HIV/AIDS status of 11,067 people who tested during the National Week of Testing in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).

Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy disclosed that the number has surpassed the target of 4,000, an accomplishment when considering the results nine years ago.

He said the Regional Health Authority (RHA) recorded in excess of 40 per cent of the national goal, this year, proving that the Region has committed itself to make a change.

Those who participated in the procession congregated on Philadelphia Street, in the vicinity of the Regional Education Department office, from where they started the one mile march to Esplanade Recreation Ground, for a rally under the theme ‘Universal access and human rights’.

Following a lengthy delay in the start of the one hour programme, the marchers released numerous helium filled blue and red balloons into the air. The red balloons signified the 0.3 per cent of those tested positive during the week.

Minister Ramsammy recalled that, nine years ago, with the daunting number of between 20,000 and 35,000 Guyanese living with HIV, there was no treatment for the virus, resulting in 1,000 deaths per year.

In addition, he recalled 800 pregnant women tested positive and 150 babies were born with the virus.

“It was a problem which was frightening, overwhelming and caused widespread stigma.

During that year, 4,000 persons submitted themselves to be tested but many others hid themselves. However, nine years later, deaths have been reduced to approximately 200 per year and the number of pregnant women tested positive went down from to 100 from 150 while the number of babies affected by the disease decreased to four or five.

“We have accomplished a lot. We have reduced the stigma,” Ramsammy reported.

However, despite achievements, he said he is aware of the sexual diversities of the populace and students who are uneducated or misinformed about the disease, in addition to several more challenges.

Ramsammy criticised the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) over their negative competition and urged them to work in solidarity, so that every citizen knows his/her status by 2010.

Attending the mid-morning function, as well, was Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Chief Executive Officer of the RHA.