Guyanese urged to fight against discrimination of HIV infected persons

The United Nations (UN) agencies in Guyana came together last evening for the lighting of the HIV red ribbon, which is a symbol of solidarity for people who are HIV positive, those who live with AIDS, and also to remember the countless lives that the dreadful disease has claimed.

The lighted red ribbon outside of the United Nations (UN) Building, Brickdam. 

            The global observance of World AIDS Day this year, would mark 30 years since the incurable disease was first reported in 1981 in the United States. 
            Speaking to media operatives, UN Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative, Kiari Liman-Tinguiri reiterated the World AIDS Day message by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, that fewer people are becoming infected, millions have gained access to HIV treatment, Parent to Child Transmission is being controlled and stigma, though slowly, gives way to compassion and human rights.
            The UN, through its consolidated Joint Programme, continues to support the priorities of Guyana’s response to HIV.
            “We can make human rights and the law work for HIV and put an end to punitive laws, policies, practices, stigma, and discrimination which work against the tide of success,” he said.
            Liman-Tinguiri highlighted goals such as zero new infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths, which can only be accomplished when the people work together as one.

UN Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative, Kiari Liman-Tinguiri and UNAIDS Country Co-ordinator, Ruben Del Prado speaking to media operatives.

            Liman-Tinguiri’s speech was followed by PowerPoint presentation by UNAIDS Country Co-ordinator, Ruben Del Prado, on the challenges that the Caribbean has to face with regards to the HIV epidemic.
            Del Prado said that surveys have shown that one in every five gay men or men who have sex with men are infected with HIV.
             He maintained that no one is born with the character trait to stigmatise HIV infected persons, but rather, it is a willful decision to do so. He urged Guyanese to not only wear the red ribbon but also to commit themselves to fight against discrimination. 
World AIDS Day 2010 will be observed tomorrow under the theme “Light for Rights.”