Guyana to strengthen HIV surveillance in light of cross-border migration

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said the country must continue to strengthen its HIV surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and viral suppression efforts, particularly in light of increased population movement across the country’s borders.

Addressing the opening of the Strengthening Clinical Capacity for the Management of Advanced HIV Disease in Guyana workshop, the Minister said Guyana’s geographical position and porous borders have resulted in significant cross-border movement for both healthcare and other purposes.

This, he said, must be taken into consideration when planning and implementing disease-control programmes.

“We need to step up our surveillance. We need to step up what we are doing in terms of our diagnosis,” Dr. Anthony said, noting that where surveillance identifies potential hot spots, targeted programmes must be implemented to address emerging needs.

Dr. Anthony reflected on the progress made in HIV care and treatment over the years, noting that the availability of effective antiretroviral (ARV) medicines has transformed HIV from what was once considered a life-threatening diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition.

He recalled the early years of the HIV epidemic, when limited treatment options and widespread stigma often resulted in patients experiencing severe illness and discrimination.

“From those days, we have come a far way,” the Minister said, highlighting the effectiveness of current ARV regimens and the importance of ensuring that persons living with HIV receive comprehensive care, particularly where they may also have other chronic diseases.

Guyana currently provides antiretroviral (ARV) therapy through the public health system, while efforts are also being made to ensure that persons diagnosed with HIV begin and remain on treatment and achieve viral suppression.

The Minister also highlighted the availability of viral load testing within the public health system, allowing patients to be monitored more effectively and enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their care.

Dr. Anthony said Guyana must continue moving away from a highly vertical approach to HIV care towards greater integration of HIV services into primary healthcare.

With approximately 450 public health facilities across the country, he said healthcare providers, particularly doctors at the health-centre level, should be equipped to diagnose HIV and provide appropriate treatment. Patients requiring more specialised care can then be referred to higher levels of the health system.

The decentralisation of ARV services is also expected to improve access by reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to obtain treatment.

The Minister acknowledged that gaps remain in implementing this approach across the health system, but said strengthening primary-level HIV services will be critical to improving access and health outcomes.

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