The HIV prevalence among children in orphanages is higher than the national figure, a study presented this morning at the Princess Hotel has found.
The National AIDS Programme Secretariat study, conducted in 23 orphanages around the country, included 579 children and of that number 4.3 percent-25- were found to be positive. Following the findings it was recommended that HIV testing should be integrated into the medical assessment prior to admission and caregivers should be trained to care for positive children.
The study was one of the many presented today at the Guyana Medical Scientific Conference 2010 which is being held under the theme ‘Bringing Research to the Bedside through Evidence- Based Practice.’ The conference is being organised by the Institute of Health Sciences Education and the Georgetown Public Hospital.
