DRIVEN by the reported prevalence of chronic diseases in Guyana, its impact on mortality and morbidity and its cost to the treasury, a further $27M has been allocated by Government for the public campaign against such diseases. Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) Dr. Roger Luncheon, at a post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday, said that diabetes – with a reported prevalence of 8 – 12 percent in the Guyanese population, and hypertension 16 – 20 percent, are the main targets of the campaign.
However, many other chronic, non-communicable diseases would also be focused-on during this campaign.
“The Ministry of Health figures that reveal this high prevalence and significant mortality, morbidity and expenditure, motivated this action taken by Cabinet and in the mature situation, activities would concentrate on messages and public health information on the lifestyle of Guyanese, early disease recognition and prevention and diagnosis and treatment,” the HPS said.
Government Ministries, non-governmental organisations, civil society and professional academic organisations are all expected to participate in the campaign.
Moreover, the media is expected to play a prominent role as a “delivery tool” for the campaign.
The creation, dissemination, and publication of health information will be funded by the $27M expenditure for the nationwide campaign which will be associated with the related health services being provided both by the public and private sectors. (GINA)