Latest update April 20th, 2024 12:10 AM
Nov 21, 2018 News
In just 2016, it was reported that between 7,900 and 9,500 persons in Guyana were living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), among whom 58 percent were accessing antiretroviral therapy. However, in these staggering statistics, it was found that adolescents stand at a very high risk for contracting the disease, a demographic that is crucial for the furtherance of the country’s economy.
In the launching of World AIDS Day by the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), the “Know Your Status” campaign was set in motion.
Stigmatization and discrimination were identified as major barriers to NAPS’ strategic action plan to eradicate HIV by 2030. This was conveyed by Dr. Rhonda Moore, Programme Manager of NAPS/ Ministry of Public Health.
She asserted that there is a cyclical relationship between stigma and HIV; persons who experience stigma and discrimination are marginalized and made more vulnerable to HIV, while those living with HIV are more vulnerable to experiencing stigma and discrimination. The “Know Your Status” campaign is seeking to change that.
Moore identified stigma and discrimination as key factors in the mortality rate of HIV. She went on to add that marginalization could sometimes deter patients from seeking treatment for the disease.
Those most at risk to HIV in many parts of Guyana are constantly faced with discrimination based on their perceived health status, race, socioeconomic status, age, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Moore explained that familial support systems are crucial for persons with the ailment; however, it is not often that persons see this type of support. People, who have tested positive for HIV- while it may be quite surprising in such an era – are being ostracized by their families as well as the wider community. These persons are also currently experiencing infringement of their rights in both the work and school environments.
Further, persons are facing modernized discrimination that perpetuates exclusion and rejection to people with HIV. This in turn encourages isolation of persons with the disease. With all this being said, NAPS’ “Know Your Status” campaign is advocating for an informed, educated and receptive society, one that will, in essence, collectively work towards achieving the target of an HIV-free Guyana by 2030.
Moore also attributed poverty as a major factor in the number of persons living with HIV in Guyana. In reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), high poverty levels were closely linked to HIV cases in some regions. In fact, in Guyana, there was a significant number of cases of HIV among sex workers, a profession that places persons at a greater risk for the disease.
According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)’s 2017 Adolescent Health report, HIV accounted for 30 percent of deaths for persons between the ages 20 to 24. Young women currently account for a vast majority of HIV cases in Guyana and are more prone to being subjected to the stigmatization that often accompanies the disease.
NAPS’ “Know your Status” campaign is advocating for all Guyanese to know their condition. “Society’s atmosphere in all of its complexities, values and ever-evolving aspects, also holds HIV, a disease that crosses all social, cultural and ethnic barriers; exclusion and isolation will do more harm than good in the long-run,” it was stressed.
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
Apr 19, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar all-round performance to lead her team to a commanding 113-run victory over Pakistan Women in the first One Day...Kaieteur News – Once a habit has been drilled into you, it returns almost automatically when you return to the setting... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]