Guyana is stepping up efforts to eliminate several infectious diseases, with Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony saying the country is making progress against illnesses including lymphatic filariasis, leishmaniasis, leprosy, malaria and hepatitis C.
Dr. Anthony outlined the initiatives while addressing a two-day workshop on strengthening clinical capacity for the management of advanced HIV disease at the Ministry of Health’s Brickdam boardroom.
He said Guyana is undergoing evaluations related to lymphatic filariasis and expressed optimism that the country is nearing the point where it could be certified as having eliminated the disease.
The Health Minister also said more work is being done to tackle leishmaniasis and leprosy, while Guyana must increasingly shift its approach to malaria from controlling transmission to pursuing elimination.
Dr. Anthony said treatment costs had historically limited the country’s ability to provide care, but collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization has significantly reduced the cost of medicines.
According to the Minister, treatment can now be obtained for less than US$100 per patient, creating an opportunity to expand diagnosis and link more people to care.
“The reason why we targeted hep C is that we were diagnosing people when they came for blood transfusion, but we didn’t have a means of treating them,” Anthony said.
The Ministry is also expanding Guyana’s laboratory and disease-surveillance capacity.
A new reference laboratory is under construction and is expected to be equipped with improved technology to conduct molecular surveillance and support earlier detection of infections.
Dr. Anthony said the investments should also strengthen Guyana’s ability to respond to emerging infectious diseases, while creating the possibility for local laboratories to eventually serve as reference centres for specific conditions.
The Government is also focusing on training more healthcare workers through partnerships with institutions overseas.
Anthony pointed to training and fellowship opportunities in Brazil, the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, including collaborations involving Harvard University, Mount Sinai Health System, Northwell Hospital, McMaster University and Apollo University.
Physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals are being encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities to improve their skills and strengthen patient care.
The Ministry is also preparing to introduce a stronger system of clinical quality governance at hospitals.
Under that initiative, teams will visit health facilities, review patient charts and assess whether care is being delivered in keeping with Ministry of Health clinical guidelines.
Where shortcomings are identified, healthcare workers will be expected to address the deficiencies and improve clinical practice.
The Ministry is also working with Joint Commission International through a pathway programme aimed at improving the standard of hospital services.
Anthony said the ultimate focus of the reforms must remain on patients.
“Ultimately, the people that we should have in focus are our patients,” he said.
