GUYANA’S first temporary live-in care facility for People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) was opened yesterday by Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, but its location is being kept secret to bar against stigma and discrimination.

The facility was made possible through collaboration by AIDSRelief, the governments of Guyana and the U.S., and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. It will offer palliative/end of life care, as well as rehabilitative care for PLWHA.

Ramsammy hailed the opening of the facility as a “giant leap” in Guyana’s comprehensive fight against HIV/AIDS. He said the service was much needed and the partnership which made it possible was commendable.

However, he called for other organisations to take up such challenges, as there are many more people living with HIV/AIDS and other ailments who need a place of abode. The centre can only accommodate 20 persons.

Ramsammy commended the role of the church in facilitating the establishment of the centre, noting that at the onset of the fight against HIV/AIDS, the church was the missing link. Now, he said, the church and faith-based organisations are providing the “social vaccine” needed in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The minister announced that the old New Amsterdam Hospital has been identified as a day care centre to cater for the special needs of the disabled, the elderly and it could be expanded to accommodate PLWHA.

He said financing for the setting up of this facility is being explored.