Guyana

Guyana is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere with a gross national income per capita of just $1,010. The Government of Guyana is currently pursuing a development policy that gives high priority to poverty reduction and the realization of the Constitutional right to adequate living standards.

It is estimated that 12,000 people are HIV-positive in Guyana. The virus is increasingly affecting youths, especially young girls. With an estimated 6,600 women over the age of 15 living with HIV, UNICEF is prioritizing preventing the transmission of the virus from mother to child. The Government of Guyana introduced a pilot programme in 2001, establishing a Prevention of Mother-to Child Transmission programme which is now fully integrated into the country's Maternal and Child programme.

UNICEF and its partners have established a community-based support system for orphaned or vulnerable children and an Adolescent Development and Participation programme. The adolescent programme works with 12 to 18 year olds and aims to increase access to quality services in education and health. UNICEF, in partnership with the Government of Guyana, has established 28 Youth Health Clubs with teachers and students trained on HIV and AIDS prevention.