The Ministry of Health Vector Services Unit presented 5,000 Long Lasting Impregnated Nets (LLINs), sprinkles and water purification tablets to Region Eight REO Ronald Harsawack as it continues to advance its programme to eradicate malaria in hinterland communities.
Harsawack said the nets will be distributed throughout the region, particularly in the malaria prone areas.
He noted that over the years the communities have benefited from nets, training, microscopes and other initiatives in an effort to eradicate the disease, a Government Information Agency (GINA) report said.
“So this is just part of the resources that we receive from Government to further eradicate malaria in Region 8,” he said.
According to the REO, the disease is “under control in the region” which he attributes to an increase in surveillance capacity, data collection and management.
“We have improved our reporting format to the Ministry of Health and the malaria programme, so we have a better hands-on approach to malaria than we had in the past,” he said.
Harsawack pointed out that the terrain in Region Eight has presented many challenges to field staff in delivering the nets to some communities, but they have been persevering in order to achieve this task.
He also revealed that a system has been put in place to ensure accountability so persons have been asked to sign on receiving the nets.
The sprinkles provided will be stored at the hospitals, clinic and health centres for distribution to mothers and children, he added.
Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, who handed over the items to the REO, said that this programme will be extended to organisations such as the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Women Miners Association, Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association and the Forest Products Association.
“Even though we focus a lot on mining areas, we also need to look at the communities in those areas for the distribution of nets,” he said, adding that this will be a collaboration between the Health and Local Govern-ment and Regional Develop-ment Ministries.
The Unit aims to distribute 50,000 nets in 2013, based on a commitment it had made in December 2012 to start distribution on January 15.
On Wednesday, Minister of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran presented 5,000 LLINs treated nets to Region Seven acting Regional Health Officer Merlene Ferrier.
He also revealed plans to have posters and pamphlets designed featuring information about the mosquito-borne disease.
