Regions Three, Four targeted in new mass drug administration campaign

Training for a new round of mass drug administration (MDA) to combat Lymphatic Filariasis in Regions Three and Four was launched on Monday, 4 August, with the aim of eradicating the disease nationwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease. Infection occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. Infection is usually acquired in childhood and causes hidden damage to the lymphatic system.”

The initiative is being led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). Officials from these organisations will be responsible for training team members.

In Guyana, the three drugs used to treat LF are Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine (DEC), and Albendazole, which are administered together in a triple-drug treatment. This combination, commonly referred to as IDA, is a key component of the country’s MDA campaign.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, underscored the importance of the training, stating that it is essential for team members to have the knowledge required not only to distribute the medication, but also to respond to questions and provide clear information to members of the public.

He explained that the disease has plagued communities for centuries, but efforts to combat it have steadily advanced.

“We’re almost there because in our ten regions, we have eliminated Lymphatic Filariasis from eight,” the Minister said.

Dr Anthony noted that there are still communities in Regions Three and Four where additional work is required to achieve full elimination.

“That is why we are returning this year—to ensure these areas are thoroughly covered. If we do that, we may very well be able to say, by next year or the year after, that Lymphatic Filariasis has been eliminated from all regions in Guyana.”

Meanwhile, Dr Kim Eva Dickson, PAHO/WHO Representative to Guyana, commended the country’s progress.

“We are working with countries to eliminate at least 30 different diseases. I’m pleased that when the initiative was announced, Guyana—through your Minister—immediately joined the effort.

“Guyana is also among the countries leading the charge to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in the Americas.”

Dr Dickson also expressed her appreciation that Guyana continued its MDA efforts even during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that treatment reached communities nationwide. She thanked participants for their commitment to the initiative and their continued support in the fight for complete eradication.

Additionally, Dr Reza Niles-Robin, Director of Vector Control Services, said she hoped this would be the final round of MDA in Guyana.

“When we succeed,” she said, “we will be able to say, as a country, that we have ended filaria as a public health problem.”

Dr Niles-Robin stressed that elimination goes beyond medicine, describing it as an act of “trust, compassion, and action” to end suffering in affected communities.