The Ministry of Health yesterday launched the Malaria Mass Net Distribution Campaign in Aishalton Region Nine, in efforts to reduce the transmission of malaria.
A release from the Ministry of Health said that the use of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLINs) is the major vector control strategy adopted in Guyana. Within the National Malaria Strategic Plan under Strategic Priority Number Four, it has outlined one of its goals as the need to maximize the distribution and use of these treated nets in malaria affected communities within Regions 1, 7, 8, 9 & 10. This will be achieved through mass free distributions to be held every three years in Guyana.
The release said that the campaign focuses on the most vulnerable populations, those living and working in the mining areas where the risk of malaria is highest. It aims to ensure that every family, every child, and every individual has access to the protection they need.
During his feature address, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said the Ministry believes that with more effort, malaria will soon be eliminated from Guyana. He stated that over the past years, the Ministry has made a lot of investments towards the elimination of infectious diseases such as Filaria, Leishmaniasis, Chagas and Leprosy by 2030.
“We have targeted these things and working in a very systematic (way) in making progress. We believe that we can remove the cases of malaria from Region Nine, with hopes of utilising this strategy in other Regions to remove malaria as a problem in Guyana”, Anthony said.
He noted that the malaria rapid test kits are available for persons who present with symptoms of malaria.
“If anyone tests positive for malaria, treatment is readily available. One initiative we have worked on through a programme with Breakthrough Action is the creation of an enveloped treatment package with clear instructions for using the medication”, Minister said.
“The slogan says, lil mosquito big problem, but it doesn’t have to be a big problem if we all work towards eliminating malaria. When this is done we can say, no mosquitoes no problem”, Anthony said.
Meanwhile, the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, said that over the past seven years, USAID has provided more than 5.2 Million US Dollars in technical assistance through the malaria programme.
She assured those present of the US Government’s commitment to continued collaboration in supporting the health and well-being of communities within Guyana.
“We must ensure 80% bednet coverage in endemic communities like yours. We must expand access to information and increase awareness of the importance of using these LLINs to prevent malaria”, Theriot said.
