Wednesday, August 6, 2025
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – 7 AUGUST 2025 - In a brightly lit training room in Georgetown, healthcare workers from Guyana gathered to launch the 2025 Mass Drug Administration (MDA) training, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). This initiative marks a significant step in Guyana’s journey to eliminate lymphatic filariasis, a disease that has burdened communities for nearly two centuries. The campaign, which aims to eliminate five neglected tropical diseases, emphasizes community involvement and health empowerment. With the IDA drug regimen combining Ivermectin, DiethylCarbamazine (DEC), and Albendazole, eight out of ten regions are free of the disease. Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) ensures medication compliance and trust-building by involving health workers in the process. Health workers are trained not only to administer drugs but also to educate, dispel myths, and lead by example. This approach fosters confidence in the community, ensuring accessibility to treatment. The campaign's success lies in its focus on dignity, opportunity, and social inclusion, empowering individuals to work, care for their families, and participate fully in society.
Reference: Guyana’s Fight Against Lymphatic Filariasis: A Story of Hope, Leadership, and CommunityLabels: PAHO
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