The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, conducted a two-day consultation meeting on the development of the National Action Plan for Neglected Infectious Diseases 2022-2030. Facilitated by International PAHO Consultant, Dr. Alexandra Vokaty, the workshop held, 7 and 8 March 2022, engaged stakeholders from the public and private health sectors, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Mayor and City council, Guyana Food Safety Authority, and other relevant agencies.
In the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, at least 180 million people live below poverty. These impoverished and marginalized populations are often heavily burdened with neglected infectious diseases (NIDs) and other poverty-related infectious diseases. This group of infectious diseases continues to take a measurable toll on families, communities, and nations' socio-economic development.
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said, "We've had a plan in the past, and we will be working that plan, but now we want to make sure not just that we work the plan, but that we ensure that we can eliminate these diseases before 2030. It is estimated that for the 20 diseases categorized by WHO as neglected infectious diseases, it affects more than 1 billion people worldwide."
For many years Guyana has been working to eliminate neglected infectious diseases such as Chagas, Leishmaniasis, Leprosy, Lymphatic Filariasis, and soil-transmitted Helminths, which health facilities are still fighting to control.
PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Luis Codina said, "I think it's very important we know the difference between all of these five diseases…but also, it's a human right against the discrimination and stigmatization of certain neglected diseases that we are suffering in all the regions. Although there may be many plans in the region, countries face the challenge of financing."
PAHO Guyana will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health for the completion of this plan and to assist in the implementation process.
