SEVERAL organisations in Linden hosted a massive rally and march in the town to mark World Aids Day, observed the world over.

The organisations included: For The Children Sake Foundation in collaboration with Adolescent Unit MOPH, Ministry of Education-Department of Culture Youth and Sports, Peace Corp Volunteer and Linden Fund USA.

The awareness march commenced from the old Aluminum Plant and ended at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground where the rally was held. Speakers noted that Guyana had made a significant breakthrough in identifying and developing strategies in terms of combating HIV/AIDS.

Dr. McDonald who is attached to the HIV and AID’s unit at the Wismar Hospital said the key was providing adequate non-discriminatory care and treatment to vulnerable groups like commercial sex workers and young persons who use drugs.

Several of the presenters reflected on their positive experiences in supporting the prevention and control of HIV in the Caribbean Region and expressed their support to drive for a complete removal of infections, discrimination and AIDS-related deaths.  The Director of “For the Children’s Sake Foundation” Tisha Campbell, in her presentation, said although the challenges faced in the fight against HIV have been huge, the response had also been strong and resilient.
The response has engendered continuous reduction in both the HIV prevalence and HIV incidence rates over the years.
“These declines have given us buoyancy in the belief that, yes we can indeed do better and further reduce the burden of HIV in the country,” she posited and added that the response of HIV prevention strategies, guided by appropriate political will and policies have remained sharpened, and have assisted us to reach the milestones we have so far.”
Miss Campbell urged the audience to continue in their fight against HIV and AIDS.
Those in attendance were Executive Director Vernon Todd, Director Tisha Campbell, Deputy Director of Youth Leslyn Boyce, District Education Officer Region 10 and the President of Regional Aids Committee Carla Lucky,