The importance of HIV prevention was reiterated as the international community banded together in observance of World AIDS Day, on December 1.
The UNAIDS Latin America and Caribbean Regional Support Team Director, Dr Cesar Nuñez explained that the 2016 observance came a year after the community of nations committed to ending AIDS by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
HIV prevention is central to achieving this goal. At this moment in history, the world has at its disposal a combination of new science, evidence-based prevention strategies refined over more than 30 years, and the understanding that in order to succeed countries must ensure that no one is left behind.
Dr Nuñez made the statement against the backdrop that the Latin American region also has to continue to ensure that mother-to-child transmission is prevented, while emphasising the need for people to protect themselves during sexual activity.
While he underscored the point that “condoms still matter”, Dr Nuñez also stated that new HIV drugs are bolstering prevention of the fatal virus.
Some 55 per cent of people living with HIV live in Latin America and the Caribbean, and in Guyana, according to the National AIDS Programme Secretariat, over 7500 persons are living with the virus.
According to UNAIDS to achieve the goal to end AIDS by 2030, significant investments and commitment are required. As Governments and Health Ministries strategise about how to achieve scale-up, it is important goals are feasible. In Latin America, Chile has already attained the treatment and viral suppression targets, while in the Caribbean, Barbados is on track to achieve the goals.
In Guyana, Health Minister, Dr George Norton has announced that Guyana was on the “fast track” to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal to end AIDS in 2030, noting that the Ministry has intensified its efforts in reaching the 90-90-90 goal established by UNAIDS. By accelerating the response to HIV/AIDS in the Americas, the ambitious goal of reducing new HIV cases by 74 per cent by 2020 and reducing AIDS deaths in the Region by 62 per cent could pave the way for the end of the epidemic in 2030.
However, this will require major attitudinal and behavioural changes in society, including changes with respect to fighting stigma and discrimination. The populace has a part to play in ensuring that all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, religion, ethnic background or creed. On Thursday, Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV&AIDS (PANCAP) also advocated for more emphasis on HIV prevention in healthcare campaigns and education initiatives. The organisation is leading the way in revitalising awareness of HIV prevention methods through a social media education initiative.
Since millions, especially young people, are using social media – Twitter, Facebook, etc – as a communication tool, this is an ideal platform to reach out to the younger generation to send the message of HIV prevention.
Earlier this year, the UNAIDS had revealed that there had been a nine per cent increase in HIV infections in the Caribbean. The report highlighted that after years of steady decline, between 2010 and 2015, the Caribbean experienced a rise in annual new HIV infections among adults. Guyana’s Health Minister had confirmed that this country was among those battling the increase, with young people most affected in our case.
The overarching aim of the social media awareness initiative is to propagate messages related to HIV prevention among this young population.
Globally, there are an estimated 34 million people living with the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition.
World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
