Condom machines placed in nightspots, sports centres
Proposal for US$36M project with global AIDS fund
Stabroek News
January 15, 2003
Condom-vending machines have been put into commission in various locations in the city and in other parts of the country.
This venture is part of a strategic plan for HIV/AIDS for 2003 - 2006, which has been completed and approved by Cabinet, says Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy. He was speaking at a press conference at the Ministry's office, Brickdam, on Monday.
Machines can be found at the Sheriff, C&S Restaurant & Bar, Buddy's Pool Hall, Palm Court, Hotel Tower, the National Gymnasium, the National Cultural Centre, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the University of Guyana and Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel among other places.
In addition, anti-retroviral therapy has been introduced for patients at the Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinic. A project proposal for US$36M was submitted for the second round of project assessments of the Global Fund on AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis. This proposal has been reviewed by the Technical Committee and is awaiting action by the Board, which is to meet on January 29, the Minister said.
He added that a proposal on HIV/AIDS/STDs, TB and Information Systems is before CIDA and is awaiting final approval in Ottawa, Canada.
A World Bank grant has been agreed and this four-year grant will focus on adolescent health in relation to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). At first, the Minister said, a loan was being sought, but through successful negotiation, a grant was acquired.
Last year, Guyana hosted the first US/ CARICOM Health Summit, which focused exclusively on HIV/ AIDS. As a result of that summit, the Ministry of Health is about to sign a Memorandum of Understand-ing (MOU) with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States, which will provide technical support over a three-year period.
