As part of the government strategy in the elimination of malaria, the Ministry of Health’s Vector Control Services convened a stakeholders’ consultation meeting at its Brickdam headquarters to discuss the development of the National Malaria Programme Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, a Ministry of Health release stated yesterday.
It explained that the purpose of the meeting was to provide critical updates on the country’s malaria situation, including the disease burden and management of essential commodities.
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, who attended the meeting, underscored the importance of focussing the new strategic plan on the elimination of malaria. He highlighted that the necessary tools, expertise, and political will are already in place to support this goal.
“We must explore different strategies to achieve new outcomes. While we don’t anticipate radical change overnight, we are committed to working over the coming years to reach our target. I am confident we will achieve the desired results.”
The minister also stressed the importance of adopting a region-specific approach, particularly for areas where malaria is endemic, to ensure more effective steps towards elimination. He acknowledged the vital role of partners in the fight against malaria and emphasised the importance of creating a unified plan that includes collaboration from all stakeholders.
“We are grateful to our partners for their continued support. Our goal is to develop one comprehensive plan that brings us closer to elimination. There’s a place for everyone to contribute to this mission,” Dr Anthony added.
The consultation was attended by key stakeholders, including the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Representative in Guyana, Daniel Albrecht, and other stakeholders from across the health sector, the release added.