Guyanese urged to remain watchful, step-up efforts to combat malaria

Nov 09, 2017 News

Guyana has recorded a steady decrease in the incidence of malaria in the hinterland regions during the period 2014-2016. This is according to the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence.

Minister Volda Lawrence addresses the gathering.

Lawrence made this disclosure at the launch of ‘Malaria Day in the Americas 2017’ on Monday in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
This year’s commemoration was held in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) under the theme, “End Malaria For Good: Lets Boost Prevention”.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) Malaria report in 2015 revealed that four countries accounted for 83 percent of Malaria cases in the Americas. The initiative to help eliminate Malaria and prevent its re-entry in areas where it was already eradicated, parochially, rests with the government and people of Guyana,” she said.
While the Ministry will continue to engage the relevant stakeholders, Lawrence told those present that it’s their duty as Guyanese to provide enduring support to the efforts against vector-borne diseases.
“We have a mandate to which we are all committed, that is to ensure the well-being of all communities,” the minister said.
Lawrence emphasised that regular check-ups are mandatory, since early detection is key in treating malaria and other vector-borne diseases.
She encouraged students in the Region to be educated and stay informed on the anti-malaria measures through the technologies that are readily available through the different mediums.
Dr. Jean Alexander, Malaria Specialist, PAHO/WHO, explained that the plan of action for malaria deviation (2016-2020) which was recently approved by WHO, highlights strategies and focuses on advocacy and communication as the key issues in the Malaria increase emphasis in the regions. He stated that 19 of the 21 countries in the Americas have achieved significant reduction in malaria mobility and mortality, and have expressed commitment towards Malaria elimination.
“Each Region in the Americas will continue to pursue its commitment towards the Sustainable Development Goal of the global technical strategy for Malaria,” Dr. Alexander said.
Dr. Alexander said too that one of the most successful strategies implemented by the Ministry to combat the malaria epidemic was the distribution of the long-lasting insecticide nets to the vulnerable populations.
Dr. Quacy Grant, coordinator of the national malaria programme, noted that the goal of the vector control services unit is to have families and health communities free from malaria.
He explained that the ‘Mass Campaign for Malaria’ project is currently being piloted in white water in Region One (Guyana/Venezuela border). The aim of the campaign, he said, is to allow health workers to engage in house to house outreach to sensitize on ways to prevent the malaria disease.
Regional Chairman Mr. Bryan Allicock and Dr. Stephan Gravesande Regional Health Officer, also mentioned that it is good to keep all the health workers who have worked and contributed to the elimination of Malaria in Guyana, to sensitize and implore persons to use Malaria preventative methods to fight against the disease.