SINCE June 2015, when the APNU+AFC coalition was elected to office, much has been accomplished in the health sector. One of government’s most significant successes has been in the fight against malaria. On Thursday, April 24, Guyana joined the rest of the world in observing World Malaria Day. It is certainly appropriate to reflect on how far Guyana and the rest of the world have come in the fight against one of the world’s most dreaded diseases.

Malaria, which is both preventable and curable, is spread by mosquitoes. When a malaria-infected person is bitten by a particular species of mosquito, the insect picks up the disease and becomes what the experts call a malaria-vector. When that mosquito bites another person, the infection is passed on to that new victim, and the cycle of infection continues. There are various types of malaria which may be caused by various micro-organisms. Some types of the disease are more dangerous than others. Malaria, though, generally, is caused by micro-organisms that attack the body’s system, often resulting in death, after causing severe symptoms including fever, vomiting, tiredness, aches, terrible discomfort, and disability.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that annually, there are some 219 million cases of malaria in 87 countries. Of those, more than 420,000 people die of the horrific disease. And, perhaps, most saddening of all, half of the number of those killed by the disease are children below the age of five years old. In other words, 200,000 children die of malaria every year. Clearly, malaria is a significant health issue that requires a robust response.

Since Guyana remains on the list of 21 countries considered by the United Nations to have malaria endemic to its population, the APNU+AFC government has responded aggressively. In 2016, Guyana’s coalition government, through the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, initiated the National Plan of Action for Malaria Elimination. The Plan, which extends to 2020, is intended to eradicate malaria within Guyana’s borders. At the end of 2020, the success of the initiative will be assessed and a new plan will be formulated, or, the current one may be extended or modified.

The Guyana government’s success in the fight against malaria has been nothing short of phenomenal. According to the WHO, due to the efforts of government, Guyana has succeeded in reducing the incidence of the disease by far more than the benchmark 50 per cent — a remarkable achievement. Amazingly, “We see [the number of] Guyanese cases falling from 45,000 every year to only 11,000,” says Dr. William Adu-Krow of PAHO/WHO, an expert on tropical diseases. Dr. Adu-Krow added that it is entirely possible for Guyana to completely eradicate malaria. Such a development would bring enormous relief to Guyanese, particularly those who live and work in hinterland communities where malaria is most prevalent.

Today, as the world observes World Malaria Day, there is remarkable news. Scientists report that a malaria vaccine has finally been developed after decades of research and numerous trials of various approaches to the problem. This first successful vaccine named RTS,S, will be launched in the coming weeks in Malawi. It will initially be made available to children up to two years of age. In the following weeks, the vaccine will be introduced in Ghana and Kenya. This pilot project is intended to test the efficacy of the widespread use of the vaccine in malaria-prone populations. It is intended that some 360,000 persons be vaccinated annually during the first phase of the groundbreaking project.

In the coming years, Guyana is certain to benefit from this new development, the importance of which cannot be overstated. The current administration has said, “The Government of Guyana remains committed to the continued provision of the required resources while counting on support from key partners such as the Global Fund, USAID, and PAHO/WHO.”

Evidently, the APNU+AFC coalition administration has made great strides in its efforts to improve health services to Guyanese throughout the country’s regions. Such successes have been possible only as a result of government’s political will, dedicated resolve, and timely implementation of ambitious programmes. As government continues to work in the interest of citizens, Guyanese are urged to take full advantage of the improved, more readily available services being made accessible to all.