Almost 500 new HIV infections recorded in 2024, Health Minister warns many were preventable

Guyana has recorded at least 449 new HIV infections in 2024, and Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Friday said the rise is alarming, especially since many of the cases could have been prevented.

Speaking at a national workplace policy forum at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Dr Anthony said the latest UNAIDS figures show that Guyana must intensify its testing and prevention efforts.

“You must know your status. We have all the medication to ensure that once treated, you can become virally suppressed,” Dr Anthony emphasised.

Overall, about 10,000 people in Guyana are living with HIV, with many receiving treatment—an important factor in preventing further transmission. Notably, individuals in their 20s account for a significant share of new cases, a trend the Ministry finds particularly worrying.

Guyana aims to end the spread of HIV by 2030, and Dr Anthony noted that the country is in a stronger position than many others in the region because its National AIDS Programme is fully funded by the Government of Guyana, not external donors.

“Every test, every HIV tablet or ARV we use, and every viral load test is funded directly by the Government of Guyana,” he said, pointing out that this is not the reality for many countries that still rely heavily on international financing.

Despite these investments, Dr Anthony highlighted that stigma remains a major barrier.
“People are afraid someone will see them at the clinic,” he said.

To address this, the government has introduced self-testing kits to give individuals more privacy and has invested nearly US$500,000 in viral load machines, strengthening the country’s capacity to monitor and manage treatment.

Dr Anthony also raised concern about mother-to-child transmission, stressing that it is entirely preventable but continues to occur because some pregnant women refuse treatment.

Looking ahead, the government is exploring the introduction of long-acting injectable PrEP, which can offer extended protection using a single, though costly, injection.
“These injections are very expensive… our hope is that by working with partners, we will be able to make them available here in Guyana,” he noted.

Despite the recent rise in infections, Dr Anthony urged the public to make full use of the free testing and treatment services available nationwide and to prioritise knowing their status.