–new outreach to target Regions Three and Four

IN a bid to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), another round of mass drug administration is set to take place, targeting Regions Three and Four
This was disclosed on Monday during the launch of the Lymphatic Filariasis mass drug administration training being done in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO).

Lymphatic Filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites.
According to Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, this is a problem that has persisted in Guyana for quite some time; however, the country is close to eliminating the disease, with it being eliminated from eight of Guyana’s 10 administrative regions.

To this end, he noted that more work needs to be done in specific communities in Regions Three and Four.
“That is why we are going back this year to ensure that we cover these areas thoroughly, and I think if we do that, we are going to be able to then say sometime next year or the year after that, we

have eliminated [LF] from all regions in Guyana,” Dr Anthony said.
Against this backdrop, he told those who would be trained that when they embark on the administration, they would go out and ensure that they are taking the right message to persons across the country.

“We have to work with them, and we have to give people information. They might have questions, they might have doubts, we have to give people the information so that they feel confident that they can take these tablets,” Dr Anthony said.

According to PAHO/WHO, treatment includes three medications, Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine and Albendazole, done in a single administration and is the one commonly used in Guyana.
This triple administration reduces much more and for a longer time, the number of microfilariae in the blood.