Minibus Drivers Fight HIV/AIDS in Guyana

November 2003

GEORGETOWN, Guyana -- Colorful, free-wheeling minibuses, blasting music as they connect Guyana’s cities, have also been spreading intolerance for those infected with HIV/AIDS. Now they are being enlisted in Guyana’s first media campaign to neutralize the stigma of infection.

The campaign is funded by USAID’s Guyana mission. As part of the effort, researchers studying attitudes and behavior toward the infected and ill found that some minibus operators openly discriminated against passengers they suspect have HIV/AIDS.

Such attitudes keep people from informing themselves, getting tested for HIV infection, or seeking care and support.

Many riders feared close contact with the HIV-positive and AIDS sufferers, who are considered “loose” in character and culpable for their illnesses.

“Stigma and discrimination toward people living with HIV and AIDS prevent crucial behavior change from happening,” said Bill Slater, HIV/AIDS technical advisor at the mission. Many Guyanese youth admire minibus operators and drivers for their flashy clothes, ready cash, and taste in contemporary music. As such, they have played a leading role in a culture of “talk” promoting stigma and discrimination, and their attitudes and behavior affect those living with HIV/AIDS.

Campaign planners hope to change the way minibus drivers, conductors, riders, and others think and talk about HIV/AIDS.

They are being taught to foster respect and compassion for the HIV-positive and AIDS sufferers.

“Minibus drivers have begun playing a key role in the response and are reaching new audiences in new ways,” said Slater.

A core of trained drivers and operators are at the fore of the campaign. The demand from drivers to be involved has far exceeded expectations. Television, radio and print ads, posters, banners, and stickers convey the message: “Give Respect! Get Respect! Big up [sup-port] people living with HIV/AIDS.” Drivers and operators also promote the message in person in minibus parks popular with sociable street idlers.

Family Health International played a key role strengthening local organizations and implementing the media campaign with the mission.

The NGOs promote public and private discussion of stigma and discrimination while stimulating general awareness through concerts, theater events, and a walkathon.

Project partners have included community and faith-based organizations, Guyana’s National AIDS Program Secretariat, the National AIDS Committee, the Ministry of Health, the Peace Corps, the Japanese government, and UNAIDS.

The activities fall under the Guyana HIV/AIDS Youth Project, begun by the Agency in 1999 to combat the spread of the virus and other sexually transmitted infections and get community-based organizations involved.

Access the November 2003 edition of FrontLines [PDF, 3.6MB]