Anti-filaria campaign resumes

By Laurel Sutherland On In Guyana News |
Merundoi performers during a skit on the importance of taking the filaria tablets during the restarted national campaign. See page 13 for more. (Department of Public Information photo)
Merundoi performers during a skit on the importance of taking the filaria tablets during the restarted national campaign. See page 13 for more. (Department of Public Information photo)

The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday, kick started a delayed Mass Drug Administration (MDA) across Guyana to eradicate Lymphatic Filariasis.

Lymphatic Filariasis, also known as Elephantia-sis, is a parasitic infection caused by worms transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Mass distribution of the Ivermectin drug is expected to start on Monday in regions Three and Four. In 2018 and 2019, Diethylcar-bamazine (DEC) and Albendazole tablets were distributed throughout Guyana. The third drug, Ivermectin, was supposed to be distributed in 2020 but as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not.