The airport is going to be more rigid in implementing yellow fever requirements for persons travelling to countries where there have been outbreaks of that disease, Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said yesterday.
This comes in the light of several countries reporting outbreaks of the condition, which can lead to severe illness and death. At a press conference held at the Ministry’s boardroom yesterday, Dr. Ramsammy noted that there has not been any reported outbreak in Guyana for more than a decade and he hoped that there would not be any in the foreseeable future.
However, in light of several countries in the region reporting outbreaks and with the vaccination in short supply, the ministry is warning persons to be more vigilant in protecting themselves. Dr. Ramsammy said that no one should travel to countries where the disease has been reported unless they have been vaccinated against the disease. He said that the airport would be more rigid in enforcing this requirement.
The Health Minister asserted that there is a shortage of yellow fever vaccines globally and there is a problem accessing it at this time. He emphasized, however, that at the moment the ministry has a stock, which is being kept for persons travelling to countries that have the fever. He noted that Guyana is also working with Brazil and Suriname on this topic.
Meanwhile, a warning has also been issued with regards to dengue with a rise in such cases also reported in the region.
Dr. Ramsammy said that worry is being expressed about the increasing number of cases in neighbouring countries.
He said that while more cases were reported in the country last year than in previous years, it is uncertain whether it was a “real” increase or that there was more reporting. He said there is a need to be more vigilant and this means that there is a need for increased surveillance and public and private medical institutions must report to the Ministry such cases daily.
He stated that vector control must be intensified and Government was stepping up fogging exercises and was also distributing nets in the hinterland. “All of us have a role to play”, he said while advocating the use of bed nets whenever persons sleep noting that the mosquito which spread the disease was active both in the day and night.
As regards World Health Day being celebrated next Monday, Dr. Ramsammy said that they were seeking to highlight global warming, climate change and their relationship to health. “Climate change has become a challenge to health”, he declared. He revealed that several activities will be taking place to commemorate the occasion including the launching of a poster competition, a walkabout and a workshop among others.
He touched on the topic of Vaccination Week of the Americas, which will be celebrated from April 19 and revealed that Guyana will be hosting one of the launching events in Lethem where participants from neighbouring countries are expected.
