More emphasis to be placed on preventative medicine- Dr Anthony

In a strong call to action for public health transformation, the Honourable Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, underscored the urgent need to prioritise preventative medicine during his opening remarks at a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session, hosted by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Jamaica Friendship Association over the weekend at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

Dr. Anthony pointed to rising lifestyle-related health concerns such as alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and poor dietary habits as key contributors to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Guyana.

“Our young people proudly display their drinking habits, and with popular trends like happy hour, we are seeing a rise in alcohol overconsumption,” he stated. “At the same time, we are moving away from traditional, nutrient-rich diets toward fast food and ultra-processed meals, which is compounding our public health challenges.”

The Minister highlighted several proactive steps already taken by the government to shift the country’s approach toward early intervention and long-term wellness. A cornerstone of this initiative is the Comprehensive School Health Screening Programme, launched two years ago in partnership with Mount Sinai Health System and the Ministry of Education. This life-course screening targets children at nursery, primary, and secondary school levels, evaluating vision, hearing, dental, and general health. To date, over 35,000 children have been screened.

Electronic clinical records are being piloted at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, with plans for nationwide rollout by the end of the year, aiming to improve continuity and quality of care.

Addressing cancer prevention, Dr. Anthony announced that Guyana will transition from the quadrivalent to the 9-valent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, following data that identified a broader spectrum of high-risk HPV strains. National vaccination coverage has increased from 17% to 53%, with some regions achieving over 90%. Expanded HPV screening and vaccination efforts are expected to significantly reduce cervical cancer mortality.

Additionally, new mammography equipment has been installed at four regional hospitals, with further expansion scheduled for 2025. Primary care providers are also being trained under revised clinical guidelines to improve early detection of breast cancer.

In men’s health, over 13,000 prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests were conducted in the past year, resulting in 500 biopsies and the early diagnosis of 200 cases of prostate cancer.

Dr. Anthony also announced the operationalisation of a state-of-the-art pathology laboratory, now equipped to conduct histopathology and other advanced diagnostics essential for cancer care and accurate disease identification.

“These initiatives are all part of a broader vision to create a preventative, data-driven health system in Guyana,” Dr. Anthony said. “The data we are collecting today will form the foundation of better, earlier care for all Guyanese. We are investing in systems that ensure every citizen has access to essential health services and that our clinicians are empowered with the tools they need to intervene early.”

Healthcare professionals attending the CME were encouraged to visit the newly commissioned health facilities, including the national pathology lab, which stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to improving health outcomes through innovation, infrastructure, and education.