-And health system upgrades – Dr. Anthony

-by Shamiah Grant

Guyana is ramping up efforts to eradicate key infectious diseases while simultaneously boosting lab capabilities, staff training, and clinical care quality across the country’s healthcare system.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says targeted efforts against leprosy, malaria, and hepatitis C are also drastically reducing disease burdens nationwide.

The country is presently undergoing final assessments for lymphatic filariasis, which health officials expect will soon result in official disease-free certification.

Minister Anthony is optimistic that the country will be certified as having eliminated the disease.

Meanwhile, he says efforts are also ongoing to address leprosy, malaria and hepatitis C. Dr. Anthony says the focus is on developing programmes to ensure that persons diagnosed with these diseases are appropriately linked to treatment.

And to support the ministry’s efforts to eliminate these diseases in Guyana, work is ongoing to strengthen the country’s laboratory and disease-surveillance capabilities.

A new reference laboratory is being constructed and will be equipped with improved technology to conduct molecular surveillance and detect infections earlier.

Minister Anthony says new technologies and diagnostic techniques will increasingly be employed to strengthen the country’s ability to identify infections earlier and respond more effectively to emerging health threats.