Health Minister Urges Expanded Community Engagement at World Polio Day Walk — The Government of Guyana has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating lymphatic filariasis
by 2030, as Minister of Health, Honourable Dr. Frank Anthony, called for greater public-private collaboration in addressing key public health challenges. Speaking at the conclusion of the World Polio Day Walk, hosted by the Rotary Club in Georgetown on Sunday, Dr. Anthony applauded the organisation’s role in promoting public health awareness. He also challenged stakeholders to broaden the scope of future initiatives to include other pressing health issues, particularly lymphatic filariasis, commonly referred to as “Big Foot” or elephantiasis.
Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health takes his filaria pills during the roll out of the MDA campaign in Region Four in 2024 “Filaria has impacted our population for centuries,” Dr. Anthony stated. “We are now at a critical juncture. The disease has been eliminated in eight of our ten administrative regions. Only small pockets remain in Regions 3 and 4, and we are preparing for another round of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) next month to further reduce transmission.” The Ministry of Health believes that, with sustained effort and strong community participation, Guyana is well on track to achieving elimination of the disease nationwide by 2030.In Guyana, MDA uses a combination of three medicines to fight filaria. The medications include Ivermectin (I), DEC – Diethylcarbamazine(D) and Albendazole (A). Together, they are called the IDA triple drug regimen, with each drug helping in a different way to kill the tiny worms that cause the disease. In addition to addressing infectious diseases, Dr. Anthony also highlighted the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, particularly among younger adults.
“We are seeing more individuals in the 40 to 50 age group requiring serious interventions like cardiac stents,” he noted. “As our country becomes more prosperous, lifestyle-related illnesses are becoming more prevalent, making preventative healthcare and education increasingly vital.” The Minister commended the Rotary Club’s Walk as an example of a successful, community-driven initiative that promotes healthy living. He urged civil society organisations to continue hosting similar activities to raise awareness and encourage healthier lifestyles.
Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health takes his filaria pills during the roll out of the MDA campaign in Region Four in 2024