RDC told…
THE Health, Environment and Sanitation Committee of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has reported that Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) is rated as having the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases in Guyana. The report, prepared by Chairperson of the Health Committee, Mrs. Juliet Coonjah, said the situation is very alarming and dangerous.
It was read by Regional Vice-Chairman, Mr. Vishnu Samaroo, to Councillors at their statutory meeting yesterday, because Coonjah was absent.
The RDC was also informed that 22 babies born in the Region are HIV infected.
People’s National Congress Reform-One Guyana (PNCR-IG) Councillor, Ms. Debbie Mc Lennon, reacting to the disclosures, agreed the HIV/AIDS situation in the region is very serious.
She said it is alarming to know that Region Two is number one with the most incidents.
Mc Lennon, who is also a member of the Health Committee, said, too, that young people are living very loose and carefree lives.
She lamented that, today, many persons are having more than one relationships and exposing themselves to the virus.
Mc Lennon claimed young people are dying more than the old from HIV/AIDS and called on the RDC to mount more related educational programmes on television in the region.
According to her, everybody must get involved in the fight against the deadly disease not only in Region Two but the entire country.
Alliance for Change (AFC) Councillor, Mr. Francis Darchiville concurred that the revelation is about a very dangerous situation and said Charity is one of the main places where HIV/AIDS is being spread rapidly.
Meanwhile, a 26-year-old man, allegedly infected with the HIV virus, has been accused of passing on the sickness to three women.
Reports are that he is targeting Amerindians working in bars, also on Essequibo Coast.
A 49-year-old widow is, reportedly, among his victims, after having been raped while in an unconscious state following a drinking binge with a group of friends, including him.
Police are investigating the incident.