The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have upped their longstanding partnership aimed at helping Guyana’s Ministry of Health eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) as a public health concern.
A release yesterday from the US Embassy said that this collaboration is a significant milestone towards improving the health and well-being of Guyanese citizens and underscores the commitment of these organizations to combating tropical diseases in the region.
From 2017 to now, the release said that USAID has supported the elimination of LF in Guyana with more than US$3.5 million to PAHO to assist the Ministry of Health in Guyana to strengthen the national LF elimination programme.
The disease can be eliminated with a simultaneous mass drug administration to all people living in endemic areas. The latest round took place in Regions 3 and 4. Guyana has already successfully eliminated LF in all other administrative regions.
U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot commented, “The U.S. Government, through USAID, is proud to partner with PAHO and the Government of Guyana in this crucial initiative that will truly save lives. Together, we will leverage our collective strengths to achieve a future free of LF for all Guyanese citizens.”
