–is the responsibility of every Guyanese

OVER the years since Guyana recorded its first patient infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), much work has been done by the Ministry of Public Health, with great support and collaborative partnerships from international donor agencies and concerned stakeholders. Through the engagement of civil society, industries, communities and healthcare providers, Guyana has been able to make significant gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS. However, we must be careful not to let the gains we have accrued over the years diminish.

That there is an increase in the number of new HIV cases in Guyana is of great concern to the Ministry of Public Health. We are redoubling our effort to ensure that we significantly reduce the spread of HIV, with the aim of reaching an elimination point by 2030.

KNOW YOUR STATUS
This year marks 30 years since the observation of World AIDS Day. In 2018, the focus is on knowing one’s status. Indeed, the first step to treating HIV is to know who is infected. Hence, intrinsic to the treatment of HIV is ensuring that persons have unhindered access to screening sites so that they can be tested and become aware of their HIV status.

Through robust public awareness and education campaigns, Guyana has, over the years, continuously encouraged persons to get tested in an effort to have them know their HIV status, particularly if they engage in behaviour that puts them at risk of contracting the virus. High-risk behaviour includes having unprotected penetrative sex, and using intravenous drugs with unsterilised needles.

Please note that HIV is preventable, and you can reduce or eliminate your risk of contracting the virus. Early detection can lead to early treatment and better outcomes. With early detection and proper care, many people live long, normal lives because of the advancements in HIV treatment options, and their ready availability.

The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can access treatment. You will be able to acquire information to help you manage the condition and delay the onset of AIDS, should you test positive for HIV. The earlier in the progress of the infection you get tested and get effective treatment, the easier it is to keep your immune system healthy.
Your doctor can monitor your immune system and help you avoid opportunistic diseases, or help you to manage these when they occur.

BARRIERS TO VOLUNTARY TESTING
Even as the Ministry of Public Health remains committed to providing universal access to comprehensive HIV prevention programmes, treatment, care and support services, and encourages voluntary HIV testing, in Guyana, there are barriers within our society that negatively affect persons’ desire for voluntarily testing for HIV.
Stigma and discrimination remain formidable barriers to voluntary testing for HIV, particularly among our key populations.

Greater efforts must be made by all concerned stakeholders to break down the barriers of stigma and discrimination within our society, particularly as it relates to HIV. Late diagnosis of HIV is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Therefore, you must ensure that you protect yourselves by getting tested, and by following the regime of treatment.

Last year, UNAIDS launched a report during the Human Rights Council Social Forum entitled: “Confronting discrimination: Overcoming HIV-related stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings and beyond”. The report clearly shows that people living with HIV who experience high levels of HIV-related stigma are more than twice as likely to delay enrolment into care than people who do not perceive HIV-related stigma.

In addressing the Forum, UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé said, “When people living with, or at risk of, HIV are discriminated against in healthcare settings, they go underground.

“This situation seriously undermines our ability to reach people with HIV testing, treatment and prevention services. Stigma and discrimination are an affront to human rights, and put the lives of people living with HIV and key populations in danger.”

It is very important to note that, the world over, stigma and discrimination only continue to undermine prevention, treatment and care of people living with HIV and AIDS. They hinder those with the virus from telling their partners about their status. Stigma and discrimination seriously threaten their access to healthcare. HIV-related stigma significantly affects people’s ability to earn a living, making it even more difficult for them to lift themselves out of poverty.

In view of the foregoing, I urge you my fellow Guyanese to work together to eradicate stigma and discrimination from our society. We all must recognise that HIV/AIDS is not an automatic death sentence, as the life expectancy of those receiving treatment is approaching that of the general population.
The advent of antiretrovirals (ARVs) and a healthy lifestyle, inclusive of exercise and proper dieting, can cause a person living with HIV to live for decades.

Persons living with HIV/AIDS need love, respect and care, like everyone else in society. Know the facts of the disease before ignorance gets the better of you. Do not fall prey to the epidemic of fear, and spread falsities about the disease that you cannot verify. I wish to exhort our healthcare workers to refrain from any form of stigma and discrimination of persons living with HIV/AIDS. You are the standard bearers. Moreover, it is unfair, unprofessional, and unethical to behave in such a negative manner. Please refrain from such behaviour.

HIV is a chronic treatable disease. Think of it as you would think of diabetes. Persons living with HIV can seek treatment and live normal lives like all of us.

ENDING AIDS BY 2030
Guyana has joined the rest of the world in implementing the treat-all initiatives to end AIDS by 2030. The Ministry of Public Health, through the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), continues to engage in numerous activities to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS, and the measures to be taken by individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming infected.

In addition, information has been shared about the best treatment options available in Guyana. Guyana’s decision to embark on the treat-all programme is in line with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO)’s objective to end AIDS by 2030.
Guyana has embarked on the Test-and-Start programme in an effort to fast-track the treatment of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Guyana.

Test and Start is a scientifically proven HIV prevention programme that can fast-track the treatment of persons living with HIV/AIDS. The 90–90–90 PEPFAR goals speak to 90 per cent of the people living with HIV/AIDS in Guyana knowing their status.
Of those persons, 90 per cent must be immediately placed on ARVs. Of the 90 per cent placed on ARVs, there must be a 90 per cent increase in viral load suppression.

Practice HIV Prevention at all times. Get tested. The first, and most important, step in preventing HIV infection is to know your status. Find out where you can get your free HIV test in Guyana. Use condoms. HIV is spread through bodily fluids like blood, semen, and vaginal fluids.

When used properly, condoms are an effective way to prevent HIV infection. Being Faithful to one partner reduces your risk of being exposed to the virus. Also, make sure your partner gets tested regularly, too.

Avoid injecting drugs. Sex is not the only way HIV is transmitted. Intravenous drug use also puts you at risk, since HIV can be spread through blood. Avoid injecting drugs, and never share needles.
By preventing HIV infection, we can create a healthier community; but it all starts with knowing your status. Take charge of your health today by getting tested.