The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), today launched a Subregional Leprosy Training Workshop at its Guyana Country Office. The initiative is aimed at strengthening clinical, laboratory, and programmatic capacities across participating countries to enhance leprosy case detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
The workshop also seeks to support the development of national strategies aligned with the global leprosy elimination goals. Participants from eight (8) invited countries are attending the training, which features a combination of theoretical sessions, hands-on clinical practice with patients, supervised laboratory activities, and modules on prevention, treatment, and documentation.
Delivering remarks at the opening ceremony, Minister of Health, Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, commended PAHO for spearheading the regional effort and reaffirmed Guyana’s national commitment to eliminating leprosy by 2030.
“We have made significant strides in controlling leprosy, but our goal is total elimination,” Dr Anthony said. “This workshop is timely, as it will equip our health professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to identify and treat cases early, and to ensure that stigma does not hinder care and rehabilitation.”
Dr Anthony further highlighted that the Ministry continues to strengthen its national health programmes aimed at the prevention and elimination of other priority conditions, including epilepsy and cervical cancer, the latter being the second most prevalent cancer among women in Guyana.
The training will help countries adopt best practices and accelerate progress toward the global target of zero leprosy.
The event reflects PAHO’s continued commitment to supporting Member States in strengthening health systems, reducing disease burden, and advancing the vision of universal health for all.
