THE framework for ending AIDS in children, adolescents, and young women by 2020 was the topic of discussion on Friday, when Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton met with representatives of UNAIDS and PEPFAR.

According to a release from the Ministry of Public Health, UNAIDS Country Director Dr. Martin Oditt and PEPFAR Coordinator of the Caribbean Regional Programme, Dr. Jennifer Walsh, met the minister in his Brickdam office to discuss the framework, referred to as “Start Free. Stay Free. AIDS Free.”

The framework sets ambitious targets that are critical to reaching the 90-90-90 targets, and supports countries in controlling and ultimately ending their AIDS epidemics. The 90-90-90 targets include reaching 95 per cent of pregnant women living with HIV, and sustaining them with lifelong HIV treatment by 2018; and reducing the number of new HIV infections among adolescents and young women to less than 100,000 by 2020.

Adaptation of the framework to the national context with a focus on key actions needed in Guyana was also discussed. This was done in order to help the framework partners ensure that their actions and investments are aligned with the country’s needs and priorities, in order to accelerate action and achieve results.

Minister Norton has said he is in full agreement with the framework, since it has been proven to be effective. He pointed out that the Ministry of Public Health would support implementation of the framework so that every child starts life HIV-free; adolescent girls and young women remain HIV-free; and every child, adolescent and adult is given treatment when diagnosed with HIV.

Acknowledging that the framework is going to cost the Government more, the Public Health Minister said there is no intention of shying away from the responsibility of ensuring that the 90-90-90 target is achieved.