Guyana must strengthen its surveillance and diagnosis of HIV, particularly given increased cross-border movement, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has said.

"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 hotspots, targeted programmes must be implemented to address emerging needs.

He made the comments while addressing the Strengthening Clinical Capacity for the Management of Advanced HIV Disease in Guyana workshop, held at the Ministry of Health's Boardroom, Brickdam, from September 14-15. The workshop, held in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Disease Elimination Initiative, brought together clinical professionals from Guyana's ten administrative regions.

Dr Anthony pointed to the provision of healthcare services to persons from neighbouring Brazil and Venezuela as examples of increased movement that health authorities must factor into disease-control planning, given Guyana's porous borders.

 

From Crisis to Chronic Condition

 

He reflected on progress made in HIV care over the years, noting that the availability of effective antiretroviral (ARV) medicines has transformed HIV from a once life-threatening diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition. He recalled the early years of the epidemic, when limited treatment options and widespread stigma often left patients facing severe illness and discrimination.

"From those days, we have come a far way," he said, stressing the importance of ensuring persons living with HIV receive comprehensive care, particularly where they also have other chronic conditions.

The two-day workshop is designed to strengthen clinicians' ability to identify and manage Advanced HIV Disease, apply updated national and WHO treatment recommendations, and improve TB/HIV screening and co-management. Participants will also enhance their use of laboratory and point-of-care testing, and identify ways to strengthen facility-level systems and referral pathways.

 

Shift Towards Primary Healthcare

 

Dr Anthony said Guyana must continue moving away from a highly vertical approach to HIV care towards greater integration within primary healthcare. With around 450 public health facilities nationwide, he said health-centre doctors should be equipped to diagnose and treat HIV, referring patients requiring specialised care to higher levels of the system. He acknowledged gaps remain in implementing this approach but said strengthening primary-level services will be critical to improving access and outcomes.

He urged workshop participants to apply the knowledge gained in their respective facilities, saying continued investment in clinical capacity and patient-centred services will be critical to closing gaps and keeping Guyana on course to meet its HIV-related targets by 2030.