- Government recognizes need for multi-sectoral approach

Georgetown, GINA, January 14, 2004

Government has recognized that the HIV/AIDS pandemic is not only a health issue, but to a large extent a social issue. In response, a Presidential Panel on HIV/AIDS has been established. President Bharrat Jagdeo chairs the panel.
This announcement was made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at a media briefing today.
The HPS noted that in recognition of the need for a multi-sectoral response in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Guyana, Cabinet last year agreed to the establishment of a Presidential Panel on HIV and AIDS.
“This takes the national response to a significantly higher level and recognises the disease not merely as a health issue but as a social issue,” the HPS said.
The Presidential Panel on HIV/AIDS represents key sectors. Included on the Panel are Ministers whose Ministries were identified as playing a critical role in the new comprehensive multi sectoral response.
“Such an approach will ensure more effective coordination of programme implementation,” he said.
Among the Ministries on the Panel are Education; Culture, Youth and Sport; Labour, Human Services and Social Security; Amerindian Affairs; Home Affairs and Local Government.
The Panel intends to promote coordination of HIV/AIDS funding, solicited from diverse sources by the Administration.
Dr. Luncheon noted that having such a panel is not unusual. Presidential Panels or Commissions on HIV/AIDS exist in South Africa, Botswana and Barbados.
He pointed to the many strides the country has made in fighting the disease, many of which have seen positive results.
Primary among them is the country’s treatment and care programme, which represents a collaborative effort between Government and the Private Sector.
In 2003, Guyana became a producer of antiretroviral drugs, which the manufacturer, a private company, New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company, is offering at significantly reduced prices.
The country has also expanded the programme on the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of the virus, after piloting the programme. Several education and awareness programmes are ongoing. The donor agencies, non-governmental organizations and Government have many programmes countrywide that target all age groups.