A new seven year plan aimed at eliminating HIV in Guyana has been launched by the National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS) today, titled “HIVision 2020 strategic plan.”
The plan will fully fund Guyana’s HIV response through country ownership and shared responsibility and is designed to place Guyana on a trajectory to eliminate HIV while reducing the social and economic impact of HIV and AIDS and improving the lives of persons living with the infection.
This plan succeeds the previous one of 2007 to 2011 and addresses the issues and challenges of the epidemic in Guyana. It also takes into consideration the priorities for national development and specifically for the prevention and control of HIV.
Country Coordinator of UNAIDS Dr. Roberto Brant Campos said the plan is not only a product of collective effort but marks the commitment of Guyana to eliminate HIV. He noted that the main challenge now lies in the implementation of the plan.
The development of HIVision 2020 was led by a steering committee and involved a wide cross section of stakeholders.
Information for the development of the plan was gathered through desk reviews, key informant interviews, national consultations and focus groups with key populations at higher risk. [Akash Ramlackhan]
