Guyana recorded 104 AIDS-related deaths in 2019; 807 new HIV cases

At the end of 2019, Guyana recorded 104 HIV/AIDS-related deaths, according to statistics released by the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS).

There were also 807 new diagnosed cases recorded in 2019 of which 400 are males and 407 are females.

Manager of NAPS, Dr Rhonda Moore, during a virtual panel discussion in commemoration of World Aids Day on Wednesday, said there are an estimated 8,700 persons living with HIV in Guyana.

She said the age group most affected by HIV are 30 – 34 years while the age group that are mostly presenting with AIDS are among the 40 – 44-year bracket.

Dr Moore was at the time giving a status update on HIV in Guyana for the 12 months in 2019. She provided no data for 2020.

Some 94% of the persons infected or 8,133 HIV positive Guyanese are aware of their status. Another 73% or 5,966 are on antiretroviral treatment while 75% or 4,461 have had their viral load suppressed.

Dr Moore said the focus of the Ministry of Health and NAPS is on community response to ensure prevention. The panel discussion examined the work that has already been done in reaching key and vulnerable population by the MOH, NAPS and its civic partners.