This morning, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), officially launched the 2025 Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Mass Drug Administration (MDA) National Training.
The initiative aims to eliminate LF as a public health threat in Guyana by equipping healthcare personnel with the knowledge and skills required for effective implementation of the MDA-IDA (Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine, and Albendazole) protocol.
The two-day training focuses on objectives:
-Presenting the Global and National LF Elimination Strategies
-Reinforcing the importance of accurate and timely daily reporting
-Training of trainers for the upcoming Regional MDA campaigns
During the opening ceremony, Minister of Health, Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, shared encouraging updates on Guyana’s progress. He noted that LF has already been eliminated in eight out of the ten regions. However, he highlighted that certain communities in Regions Three and Four remain challenging in the fight against the disease.
“This is why we are going back, targeting those specific areas to complete the elimination of filaria once and for all,” Dr. Anthony stated.
The Minister also encouraged participants to fully engage in the training and apply the skills gained to support Guyana’s national health goals.
Present at the launch ceremony were Dr Kim Eva Dickson, PAHO/WHO Representative to Guyana; Dr Reza Niles-Robin, Director of the Vector Control Services among other officials.
Health Minister, Dr Anthony delivering remarks at the opening ceremony of the training programme.
Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, alongside Dr. Kim Ava Dixon (PAHO/WHO), Dr. Reza Niles-Robin, Dr. Anastasia Samson, Dr. Rainier Escalada, and other key health professionals and participants of the Lymphatic Filariasis Training Programme.