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By Zena Henry Members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) yesterday welcomed the addition of a newly commissioned medical centre annex equipped with a clinical laboratory, with vast testing capabilities.With a major focus on combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic,Jonas Valanciunas Raptors Jersey, the GDF HIV/AIDS prevention programme handed over the medical addition to the army’s Medical Corps at a small ceremony held at the force’s headquarters, Camp Ayanganna.The GDF/US AIDS Programme Coordinator Beverly Gomes-Lovell said the annex was an initiative of the GDF HIV/AIDS Prevention Programme and the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR). The organization she said recognized the need for the medical facility to improve measures tackling HIV/AIDS.Lab Supervisor Bonita Richards (far left) discusses the medical apparatus with Commodore Gary Best, NAPS head Dr. Shanti Singh, Charge’ d’ Affaires, US Embassy,Jason Williams Magic Jersey, Thomas Pierce and GDF/US AIDS Programme Coordinator, Beverly Gomes-Lovell“The GDF HIV/AIDS prevention programme in line with the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR) transiting from emergency response to reporting sustainability in the continuing battle to mitigate HIV/AIDS, has recognized the need for further development of the medical infrastructure to support HIV testing and counseling, sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis diagnosis.”It was declared that the new facility has the testing capacity such as hematology and microbiology, while it was noted that biochemistry units at the institute were also functional.Laboratory Supervisor, Bonita Richards told Kaieteur News that the facility will soon increase its testing scope to enroll microbial and further hematology testing. Most of the support in terms of confirmation of other testing, Richards said, is partnered with the Ministry of Health. The laboratory will be used as the doctor’s diagnostic tool to confirm findings, and based on that, diagnosis for patients will be concluded.Among a number of senior GDF officers, ranks,Wizards Jersey, NGO representatives and specially invited guest was Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best. He noted that the handing over ceremony was being held as part of the GDF’s 47th Anniversary, in recognition of the importance of edifying ranks and identifying against the fight of HIV/AIDS pandemic. He said HIV represents one of the greatest global health challenges and creates social and economic concerns,Tracy McGrady Team USA Jersey, making it a national security issue.Commodore Best said that in the GDF, they have learnt to live with and care for those who fall ill to the disease.  He emphasized that,Grant Hill Magic Jersey, “The Guyana Defence Force will not allow HIV/AIDS to incapacitate our ranks, as death from HIV/AIDS and any other causes, result in the loss of personnel which affects military preparedness, efficiency and increase cost of recruitment and training of replacements.”Commodore Best stated that the force had recently received a report that speaks to the extent of sexually transmitted diseases in the GDF. This report, he noted,Terrence Ross Raptors Jersey, will be used to educate ranks further and to improve on their personal hygiene to reduce the large incidence seen on the report of certain types of sexually transmitted diseases.Commodore Best asserted that,Patrick Patterson Raptors Jersey, “In the same vein, the notion that HIV/AIDS only comes from same-sex relations had been debunked many years ago.” He continued that the GDF still has a role to play that no one is discriminated against based on his/her sex…”“As for a matter in the mainstream media,Elfrid Payton Magic Jersey, the GDF is committed to ensuring that anyone who joins the GDF is treated fairly and professionally once serving. We have no programme or discrimination against persons who have alternative lifestyles, once that conduct does not interfere with the professionalism of the GDF.”Lieutenant Thomas Pierce of the US Navy and Charge’ d’ Affaires,DeMar DeRozan Team USA Jersey, US Embassy also congratulated the force on their addition to the Medical Corps.  Pierce said to increase the ability to address the most urgent needs in HIV/AIDS affected area, the venture for the annex construction commenced in February and was successfully delivered by the design and build team of DI Grand Construction Company.“The extension of the medical laboratory will enhance the delivery of health care and treatment services to members of the GDF in a safe functional and stable environment.”The National AIDS Programme Manager Dr. Shanti Singh noted that the extension will support the central health care facilities in providing voluntary counseling and testing, STI screening, diagnosis and treatment and the management of persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.She applauded the GDF for bringing all the services together under the overall umbrella of providing healthcare service.