Guyana maps final push to end AIDS as public health threat

Guyana is preparing the next phase of its fight against HIV/AIDS, launching work on a new national strategy that aims to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2031. The Ministry of Health has invited experts to assess the country’s progress over the past five years and develop a roadmap to guide prevention, treatment and support services through the next decade.

The initiative, being spearheaded through the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), will see a comprehensive review of HIVISION 2025, Guyana’s current National HIV Strategic Plan covering the period 2021 to 2025, while laying the foundation for a new strategy known as HIVISION 2031.

The move comes as Guyana continues efforts to reduce new HIV infections, improve access to treatment and strengthen support systems for people living with HIV, in line with international targets established by UNAIDS.

Health officials believe the new strategy will be critical in determining whether the country can achieve its goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2031.

As part of the process, the selected consultant or consultancy firm will conduct a detailed assessment of HIVISION 2025, examining what has worked, where challenges remain and what gaps continue to hinder progress.

The review will also include an updated national HIV epidemiological profile, providing a clearer picture of current infection trends, treatment outcomes and the populations most affected by the disease.

Stakeholder consultations, key informant interviews and site visits across the country are expected to form a major part of the exercise, ensuring that the experiences of healthcare providers, community organisations, vulnerable groups and people living with HIV help shape the next phase of the country’s response.

The Ministry of Health said HIVISION 2031 will serve as the guiding framework for Guyana’s HIV prevention, treatment, care and support programmes between 2026 and 2031.

The strategy is expected to reflect emerging public health realities, advances in treatment and prevention, and evolving challenges facing vulnerable and key populations.

Officials are seeking consultants with expertise in public health, epidemiology, health policy and HIV programme planning. Experience working with key populations and familiarity with the UNAIDS Global AIDS Strategy will also be required.

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 60 days, with proposals due by June 26.

While significant progress has been made globally and regionally in reducing HIV-related deaths and expanding access to treatment, health experts continue to warn that sustained investment and targeted interventions are needed to prevent new infections and ensure that people living with HIV can access quality care.

For Guyana, the development of HIVISION 2031 represents more than a routine policy update. It marks the beginning of what health authorities hope will be the final stretch in a decades-long battle against one of the world’s most significant public health challenges.

The success of the new strategy could ultimately determine how quickly Guyana moves from managing HIV as a chronic public health concern to achieving its goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat altogether. [DPI]

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