About one person in every seven tested during last year in the St Joseph Mercy Hospital's “Stemming the Tide Programme” turned out to be HIV positive. In a report presented to the annual general meeting, the hospital authorities said in 2004 the institution performed 764 free HIV tests -- of which 104 were positive.

At the end of the year, there were 109 persons in the programme, 58 female, 33 male and 18 children. Thirty-two are on antiretroviral therapy including 5 children. Ages range from four months to 69 years.

This is way above the national average of infection which is given as one person in fifteen even though there seems to be no centralised database.

Dr Ramsammy also reported recently that there is a constant reduction in the number of persons turning up at government clinics for Anti-Retroviral Treatment, this is treatment given to those who are HIV infected.

The Mercy Hospital's “Stemming the Tide” programme, which treats and cares for people living with HIV/AIDS, has grown far beyond what was anticipated when it began just under two years ago. Guyana continues to be challenged with increasing numbers of individuals, families and communities suffering the effects of AIDS.

In September 2004 the institution expanded its work with HIV patients with the initiation of he AIDS Relief Programme funded by Catholic Relief Services consortium. The focus of this programme is on persons actually on antiretroviral drugs. Results are promising so far.

The hospital authorities say the stories are heartbreaking. An elderly grandmother is trying to care for her ill daughter and her 4 grandchildren, one of whom is HIV positive.

There are single parents who have AIDS and are too sick to look after their children. There are also “AIDS orphans” and persons who are HIV/AIDS positive whom family and friends have deserted when their diagnosis is known.

But today there are success stores as well. Better education among school children and young adults has shown some improvement in the number of early-diagnosed cases leading to early treatment. This provides a better quality of life for longer periods.

Knowing one's “status” has offered relief to family members of AIDS victims. Through education and support family members are better able to handle caring for AIDS persons in the home. People on treatment are able to hold on to jobs and live dignified lives.

The challenge continues but Mercy's two programs are a small step toward a solution.

Catholic Standard