The Ministry of Health today commenced a four-day training on leprosy, aimed at strengthening the capacity of Community Health Workers (CHWs) across all regions in Guyana. The training is being hosted by the Public Health Skin Clinic/National Leprosy Control Centre.
Delivering remarks at the opening ceremony in the boardroom of the National Blood Transfusion Service, Chief Medical Officer Dr Narine Singh emphasised the significance of continued vigilance.
“Leprosy remains a debilitating disease with far-reaching consequences physically, emotionally, socially, and economically,” he said.
Thanks to the steadfast work of the Ministry of Health and the support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Guyana has achieved a prevalence of less than one case per 10,000 people.
Meanwhile, PAHO/WHO Representative Dr Kim Ava Dickson also applauded Guyana’s progress in leprosy diagnosis and treatment but encouraged further efforts.
“Although we’ve made a lot of progress, with fewer than 50 cases reported annually in Guyana, our work is not yet over,” she noted.
“WHO’s current goal is zero leprosy and that is what we must aim to achieve” she further noted.
The training initiative is part of Guyana’s intensified efforts to reach and sustain zero leprosy transmission, in line with the global 2030 target.
Dr Heather Wilson – Director Public Health Skin Clinic/National Leprosy Control Centre
Community health workers from across Guyana participate in a four-day leprosy training