Safeguarding our future

Dec 02, 2025 Editorial, News

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(Kaieteur News) – Yesterday was World AIDS Day, a time for reflection, awareness, and action. It is a solemn occasion to recognise the lives lost to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), to honour those living with the virus, and to renew our collective commitment to ending this epidemic.

In Guyana, the latest Ministry of Health report shows that HIV remains a pressing public health challenge. In 2024, 449 new infections were recorded, with the highest incidence among young adults aged 20 to 29. This is a stark reminder that while progress has been made in treatment and management, prevention efforts must be intensified especially among our youth.

The Ministry of Health, led by Dr. Frank Anthony, acknowledges that although the number of new infections has decreased compared to previous years, the figure remains concerning. “Even with 449 people last year getting infected, we still feel that that’s too much,” Dr. Anthony noted. Each number represents a human story, dreams delayed, health disrupted, and families affected. The concentration of new infections among young adults signals a critical gap in awareness and preventive practices. This age group, often vibrant and ambitious, is the backbone of our nation. Losing even a fraction of their potential to preventable infections is a tragedy that ripples across communities and generations.

HIV is no longer the death sentence it once was. Medical advancements, particularly antiretroviral therapy (ART), have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition. When people living with HIV adhere to treatment, maintain viral suppression, and monitor their health carefully, they can live long, productive lives, and the risk of transmission is greatly reduced. Moreover, the Ministry of Health’s efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV have been remarkable. While a few cases still occur, they can be prevented when HIV-positive mothers receive proper care and treatment during pregnancy. Achieving zero transmission is not merely a goal; it is an attainable promise that reflects the power of science, medicine, and commitment.

Yet, prevention remains the most powerful tool in our fight against HIV. Dr. Anthony emphasises that education, awareness, and responsible behaviour are essential. Too often, knowledge does not translate into action. Young people may be aware of the risks but fail to take precautions such as consistent condom use, regular testing, or adherence to preventive medications. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily or periodic preventive medication, offers a critical line of defense. The Ministry of Health is also working to secure long-acting injectable PrEP, which can provide protection for up to six months with a single dose. This innovation has the potential to revolutionise prevention for young people, particularly those who struggle with daily adherence.

The rise in HIV cases among young people in Guyana mirrors trends seen across the Caribbean. A 2024 report by UNAIDS highlighted that new HIV infections among adolescents and youth remain stubbornly high in several countries, including Guyana. Dr. Richard Amenyah, UNAIDS Multi-Country Director, noted that the slow decline in youth infections “remains a major public health issue.” He warned that without targeted interventions, the region will struggle to meet the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. For Guyana, this is a clarion call to action: we must not allow our young people to fall victim to a virus that is preventable and manageable with the right knowledge, resources, and care.

The fight against HIV is not only a medical battle, it is a social, cultural, and moral one. Stigma, discrimination, and misinformation continue to drive the epidemic underground, discouraging young people from seeking testing, counseling, or treatment. Communities, schools, and families must foster open dialogue about sexual health, create safe spaces for discussion, and encourage responsible decision-making. Government institutions, civil society organisations, and private-sector partners must collaborate to expand education campaigns, increase access to preventive tools, and ensure that testing and treatment are readily available and affordable.

World AIDS Day is also a moment to reflect on our shared responsibility. Protecting our youth means equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make safe choices. It means investing in education, healthcare infrastructure, and innovative prevention strategies. It means challenging stigma and promoting empathy for those living with HIV. And it means ensuring that no child is born with a virus that can be prevented with proper care.

In Guyana, we have the resources, expertise, and commitment to make a tangible difference. But commitment must be matched with action, particularly for the younger generation who are at the highest risk. The 449 new infections in 2024 are more than statistics. They are a call to action, a challenge to our society to do better, and a reminder that prevention, education, and compassion are our strongest weapons.

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• Editorial, future, HIV, Safeguarding, World AIDS Day

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