OBSERVANCE of World AIDS Day annually on December 1 is an important global event that seeks to raise awareness about HIV prevention, treatment and discrimination.

The theme for this year is “Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths.” Worldwide, HIV has led to over 25 million deaths, and there are over 35 million people currently living with the disease. HIV has become the most critical epidemic in recorded history.

The first reported case of HIV in Guyana was in 1987, and since that time, the number of cases has increased from 1.3 per every 100,000 people to 56.2 per every 100,000 people.

At the end of 2009, UNAIDS estimated Guyana’s HIV prevalence to be at 1.2%, with approximately 5,900 persons living with HIV.

Overwhelmingly, HIV in Guyana is transmitted through heterosexual sex, and the majority of cases occur in persons aged between 25 and 44.

The National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) reports that around 7% of deaths in Guyana each year are attributable to AIDS. Clearly, HIV is still a serious concern in Guyana.

It is encouraging to note that the Ministry of Health and NAPS place large emphasis on the importance of testing, as well as on reducing stigma and discrimination for people who are living with this disease. (US Peace Corps, Guyana)