MICROSCOPISTS and  senior officials from the Malaria Department as well as supervisors from all 10 administrative regions yesterday concluded 10 days of  microscopy training under the aegis of the Vector Control Services of the Ministry of Health. The training by Dr. Truus Dereks from the Netherlands was conducted at the Reference Laboratory at the Malaria Head Office in the Georgetown Public Hospital compound.
 Dr.  Dereks told the Guyana Chronicle that the training was geared to refresh and improve their malaria testing capabilities. However, this class was very special because everyone already knew about malaria, so basically they did a lot of updating on malaria and related issues.
Head of the Vector Control Services, Dr. Reyaud Rahman said that this training is always welcomed and it was an honour to have Dr. Dereks with them again to do the training.  
He also stated that with this training he is hoping that the participants will go back to their respective regions and work stations and function more effectively. It is also expected that they will share the knowledge that they gained from the training sessions.

100% Accurate Diagnosis
Meanwhile, Shane English, an inspector attached to the Vector Control Services Department, noted that the training was challenging but it is always good to get new ideas from specialists in other countries. He further stated that with this training he will be better able to give a 100% accurate diagnosis.
Also speaking with the Chronicle was Muniram Balgobin from Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice) who stated that the organisation of the training was well done, seeing that they needed a lot more practical training than theory. However, he is looking forward to getting further training later.