The problem in Mahdia has been compounded by poor waste disposal resulting in many clogged drains and mounting garbage piles across the community. There is also the issue of infected persons not adhering to the full treatment plan-a problem that has seen scores of residents being constantly infected with malaria. “I was almost dead 24 times, but am still here because I stuck with my treatment and saw it to the end,” Regional Chairman, Senor Bell said yesterday. Bell disclosed that he had been diagnosed with malaria two dozen times and that he has been ill for a considerable period in recent times. His somewhat frail appearance yesterday was something he openly addressed saying “even now I don’t feel well and might have it again.”
The observance at the Mahdia District Hospital drew scores of residents and children who had genuine concerns about malaria. The children appeared more informed on the issue due to ongoing educational programmes in the community geared towards raising awareness, including essay writing and jingle competitions.
But even as the residents were called upon to take a different approach to malaria, the focus was on mining activities at Mahdia. The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), which was part of the activity yesterday, came under fire for not being more active in its role in the mining community and for allowing miners to dig up the area and leave without covering up the ponds.
Karanchand Krishnalall, Chief Inspector at the Vector Control Unit of the Health Ministry, pointed to swelling numbers in the fight against malaria. He reiterated Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy’s previous disclosure that the number of cases this year exceeded the target for keeping malaria under 10,000. He said that the figures are likely to point to some 11,000 cases by year end, adding that a more aggressive campaign is being fought to reach more people. For the year so far some 102,201 smears were taken and tested for malaria and around the same time last year the number was 98,000. As of last month 8,467 malaria cases were on file-a slight increase from last year of about 200 cases. The majority of the cases are falciparum, which is the most dangerous type of malaria, followed by vivax.
Krishnalall presented figures to paint the picture of what is happening in the various regions with malaria. He said that the problem areas are Regions One, Seven and Eight, noting that the mining and logging are posing serious problems to the health sector with respect to malaria.
In terms of cases which have been diagnosed and treated for the year so far, Region One recorded 15%; Region Seven 7%; Region Nine 8%; Region Ten 8% and Region Four 41%. Krishnalall said the majority of cases are diagnosed and treated at Georgetown Public Hospital even though Region Four is mostly malaria free. As for malaria infections to date, Region Seven has recorded 39%; Region Eight 22%; Region One 17%; Region Ten 6%; Region Nine 7%; and Region Two 2%.
Indal Rambajan, Director, Global Fund underscored the threat mining poses to communities like Mahdia and he noted that serious problems could be facing the region in the near future. He said the figures being recorded for malaria “might be exaggerated” and insisted that many of the cases are counted twice. He said the ministry usually has to cut off some cases when the cases on file are re-examined. He also noted that the Global Fund recently agreed to fund another five years of malaria programmes in the country, but according to him the funds were originally for Regions Seven and Eight and are now being stretched to include Region One. Further, he said, the project was currently out of bed nets and this is likely to pose serious challenges in the fight against malaria.
Director of Regional Health Services Dr Steve Narine briefly commented that malaria infections are preventable and he urged the community to follow the guidelines and “stay alert.” He said also that the ministry continues to face new challenges in the fight and that new strains are being picked up. “The number of cases is increasing and people are not sticking with the treatment plan, which is important,” Narine added.
Dr Luis Seoane of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) called for greater malaria control activities in the country, stressing that there must be increased surveillance at the borders. He said if not tackled carefully, border malaria and multi-drug resistant malaria will frustrate the attainment of objectives that have been set. He expressed hope that the launch in Mahdia would serve as a reflection to start and lead to a better understanding of the malaria problem.
He said Guyana had made significant strides with its malaria programme, but underscored the importance of political commitment, legislative measures and the establishment of inter-sectoral linkages to prevent its transmission.
