Incidences of malaria infections under control in hinterland
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Minister Ramsammy
Georgetown, GINA, September 5, 2003
Malaria increase in the Hinterland is not unusual
given the logistics of Guyana’s unusual weather patterns,
inter-migration of persons and increases in mining activities.
In an exclusive interview with the Government Information Agency
(GINA), Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy disclosed that
although there has been an increase, several steps have been taken
to reduce incidences of infection.
For example, an Amazon Project in Region Eight is currently being
implemented. This project is designed to educate several communities
in that Region about the disease. This project has established
several malaria committees in the different villages.
These committees have been tasked with the responsibility of educating
fellow villagers about the disease. As such, various preventative
measures and treatment methods are taught to villagers. Health
workers, public officials and community leaders form a part of
the health committees.
The success of the community programmes has led to a reduction
in malaria cases in Region Seven. In June of this year there were
1313 infected cases. This was an increase from May’s figure
of 624. However, by in July, infection cases reduced tremendously
to 737.
The Health Ministry has also ensured that patients have access
to drugs, an additional step to reduce incidences of malaria infections
in affected Regions. Drug shortages are not the cause for increased
infections, since the Ministry has always ensured that there is
an adequate supply throughout the country. However, it has been
discovered that regional health workers have not been collaborating
fully with communities.
Over the years it has been found that some malaria victims have
failed to complete their correct treatment dosages and as a result,
incidences of re-infections have emerged. The Ministry of Health
has found that educating the communities is one means of reducing
incidences of re-occurrences.
Additionally, along with the education programme, the Ministry
has distributed several mosquito-resistance bed nets which are
designed with mosquito resistance propellant. This has added in
the reduction of malaria-infected cases in that Region. These
nets have been distributed free of cost.
The Minister will tomorrow spearhead a technical vector control
team to Region Seven. The task of the team would be to conduct
similar malaria-control programmes as Region Eight. Areas to be
visited are Philipai, Imbaimadai, Paruima and Kamarag. The Ministry
hopes to extend the programme of malaria committees to all infected
Regions.
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Friday
September 5, 2003