Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - December 4, 2004
Among other initiatives, the funds will go to preventing transmission from mothers to children and improving testing capabilities in the country, Health Minister Leslie Ramsammy said.
The funds are part of a $15 billion program launched by U.S. President George W. Bush in 2002 to fight AIDS, mainly directed toward 14 African countries. Haiti and Guyana are the only two Caribbean countries included the program.
Guyana, population 770,000, has a 2.7% infection rate. In Haiti, about 5% of the population of 8 million is estimated to have the virus, the highest rate in the Western Hemisphere.
The U.S. funds come with a series of strict requirements - one-third of the money earmarked for prevention goes to abstinence-first programs. Also, the money currently can only buy brand-name drugs made by companies in wealthy countries, shutting out cheaper generic medicine from countries such as India.
U.S. Ambassador Roland Bullen announced the plans to disburse the funds in Guyana while presenting the government with $200,000 worth of HIV testing equipment on Friday.
The Caribbean continues to be the second worst-affected region in the world after sub-Saharan Africa, according to a joint U.N. and World Health Organization report called AIDS Epidemic Update 2004.
An estimated 500,000 people in the Caribbean, or 2.4% of the population, are infected. The figures exclude Cuba, which has a relatively low rate due to testing and prevention programs.
041204
AP041222
Copyright © 2004 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2004. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .