2022 promises to be a year of tremendous progress for the National AIDS Programme Secretariat, Ministry of Health (Guyana). According to Dr Tariq Jagarine, Programme Manager, the Secretariat will commence an HIV self-testing (HIVST) Pilot, which will offer HIVST through four (4) public and private sites. The initiative will begin with a public education campaign encompassing social media and brochures on HIVST for distribution during community health promotion activities.

Dr Jagnarine highlighted that the Secretariat would conduct a National Assessment of Hepatitis C in Guyana. The assessment would involve the development of testing and treatment guidelines and policies. The Secretariat will also engage stakeholders to support the implementation of a Condom Distribution Strategy in conjunction with a strategy for Sexual Behavioral Change.

In addition, Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and non-occupational Post Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) services will be expanded to more public and private sites throughout Guyana.

For updates on the progress of these initiatives, visit the Secretariat’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068814055936