Dr Tariq Jagnarine
Family Medicine/Endocrinology/Diabetes
On the 1st of December – World AIDS Day – the Ministry of Health, through the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), is reaching out to all Guyanese to spread knowledge, promote awareness, and encourage action under the theme “Take the Rights Path.”
This year’s focus is on ensuring everyone understands how to protect themselves and others, how to access care and treatment, and how to play a role in building a society free of HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a condition where the body can no longer fight infections. However, with advancements in medicine, people living with HIV (PLHIV) can lead long, healthy lives with proper treatment and care.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV can be transmitted in the following ways:
1. Unprotected sexual contact with someone who has HIV.
2. Sharing needles or syringes during drug use.
3. From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, if not managed properly.
4. Through contaminated blood transfusions or organ transplants.
HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food, or mosquito bites.
How can you prevent HIV?
Prevention is key to stopping the spread of HIV. Here’s how you can protect yourself and others:
1. Practice safe sex: Always use condoms during sexual activity.
2. Use PrEP: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily medication that protects people at high risk of HIV.
3. Avoid sharing needles: If you use injectable drugs, ensure needles and syringes are never shared.
4. Get tested regularly: Knowing your status helps protect your health and your partner’s health. Testing is quick, free, and confidential.
5. Ensure safe medical procedures: Only go to certified healthcare providers for medical or cosmetic procedures involving needles.
Why should you get tested?
Getting tested for HIV is the first step toward taking control of your health. Early diagnosis allows you to start treatment immediately, protecting your immune system and preventing further transmission. Testing is free and confidential and is available at health centers and mobile units across Guyana.
What happens if you test positive?
If you test positive for HIV, remember that it’s not the end of the road.
• You will have access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), which suppresses the virus and helps you live a long, healthy life.
• ART also prevents the transmission of HIV to others, making it a critical part of prevention efforts.
• You will receive counseling and support from healthcare professionals and community organizations.
HIV treatment and care in Guyana
Guyana offers free, high-quality treatment and care for all PLHIV. With ART, many individuals achieve an undetectable viral load, meaning the virus is so well controlled that it cannot be transmitted to others during sex (this is called “U=U”: Undetectable = Untransmittable).
Why stigma and discrimination must end
Stigma and discrimination remain some of the biggest challenges in the fight against HIV. They discourage people from getting tested, seeking treatment, and talking openly about their experiences.
As a society, we must:
• Educate ourselves about HIV and how it is transmitted.
• Support those living with HIV, treating them with respect and dignity.
• Speak out against harmful myths and misinformation.
Take the Rights Path: What You Can Do
1. Get tested: Know your status and encourage your loved ones to do the same.
2. Learn and share: Educate yourself about HIV and share accurate information with others.
3. Advocate for rights: Stand up for the rights of PLHIV to live free from stigma and discrimination.
4. Access free services: Take advantage of the free testing, prevention tools, and treatment services available in Guyana.
5. Protect yourself and your partner: Use prevention methods like condoms and PrEP consistently.
Our vision for the future
Together, we can create a future where HIV is no longer a public health threat. By empowering individuals with knowledge and tools, we move closer to ending new infections, ensuring everyone living with HIV has access to care, and eliminating the barriers of stigma and discrimination.
This World AIDS Day, join us in taking the rights path—for yourself, your family, and your community.
For more information on HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services, contact the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) at [hotline/website/email].
“Take the Rights Path” today — together, we can end AIDS by 2030.
