In recognition of World AIDS Day, observed on December 1 annually, the Ministry of Health will continue efforts to raise awareness over the next two months during which a number of activities will be held countrywide aimed at preventing the spread of HIV.

Speaking to reporters at his ministry yesterday, Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, said the main activities would include the National Day of Testing, a cross-country cycling race, a grand health fair and concert and a faith-based conference on the disease.

The conference, according to the ministry, will see faith-based leaders throughout the country attending along with faith-based leaders from the Caribbean and Africa. It was said that while the government and the ministry will take the lead in the fight against HIV, everyone has a part to play.

The minister encouraged all Guyanese to come out on November 21, which has been designated national testing day under the theme ‘Take action: Take the test.’ He said those who come out on that day would be demonstrating their commitment to the HIV fight.

And the cycle race, which is being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, will pedal off under the theme ‘Riding for Life 2’. It is the second such race and it is intended to increase awareness and knowledge of the disease among the participants and the public and also to increase activism and volunteerism among participants and inspire them to become ambassadors in the HIV fight.
According to estimates, 12,000 persons are living with the virus locally and Ramsammy said that represented a prevalence rate of between one to 1.5 per cent of the population. Approximately 500 new infections occur every year.

It was revealed that as of July this year, 2,228 persons were accessing treatment at 16 treatment sites around the country including one mobile unit that goes to Regions One, Seven, Eight & Nine. Of the 2,228 persons on treatment, 154 are children. In addition,  1,226 persons who are not on anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment access other care and support programmes at the various treatment sites and as such there are 3,454 persons on the national treatment and care programme.