Guyana’s Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has called for a renewed regional push to end AIDS, noting that major progress has been made over the past decade, including a reduction in AIDS-related deaths of more than 60% since 2010.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 10th Meeting of National AIDS Programme Managers and Key Partners in Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Anthony said regional stakeholders must strengthen coordination, promote innovation, and address sustainability in the HIV response.
He said that despite the progress, the Caribbean Region still faces serious challenges, with approximately 15,000 new HIV infections recorded annually. Dr. Anthony also highlighted that young people remain among the most affected groups, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
He said, while deaths have fallen significantly, new infections are not declining as quickly as desired—adding that about 15,000 people are getting infected each year, and that one in four of these new infections occur among persons aged 15 to 24.
Dr. Anthony noted that the Caribbean now has access to unprecedented tools, including expanded testing, treatment, and innovative prevention methods. However, he said there must be stronger emphasis on increasing access, strengthening prevention strategies, and ensuring sustainable financing.
He also pointed to shrinking donor support, saying funds available to fight the disease in the region have dried up, including from international organizations originally set up to help combat HIV, TB, and Malaria.
The minister further called for enhanced regional collaboration to secure affordable medicines and technologies, while maintaining a people-centred approach that prioritizes the most vulnerable populations.
He concluded by urging that the region prioritize ending AIDS—not merely managing it—and reaffirmed his commitment to working with regional and international partners to achieve that goal.
