The Ministry of Health officially launched its 2025 Filaria Elimination Campaign on Friday at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) Tarmac, renewing national efforts to eradicate lymphatic filariasis and move Guyana closer to being declared completely filaria-free.
Lymphatic filariasis—commonly called filaria—is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease that attacks the body’s lymphatic system, often leading to severe swelling, pain, and disability if untreated.
During the launch, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony reported that Guyana has made remarkable progress, reducing infection rates to below one percent in eight of the ten administrative regions. However, Regions Three and Four continue to record infection levels above that threshold, according to recent survey data.
Dr. Anthony expressed confidence that the ministry’s strategy, supported by a 639-member field task force, will help bring an end to the disease.
“If we want to really eliminate this disease from our country, then we have to be serious… I’m convinced that once we give the right information to people, it’s hard for people to say no to you,” he stated.
The Minister also announced that a special monitoring team will be deployed to conduct random checks and ensure that community health officers are properly administering the treatment and recording results.
Campaign Coordinator Dr. Annastacia Sampson said the national campaign is more than a public health initiative—it symbolizes Guyana’s enduring commitment to eliminating a disease that has impacted generations of citizens.
“Let this launch serve as a rallying call to action for every citizen and every community in Region Four and La Parfaite Harmonie. Together, we can break the cycle of transmission and achieve a Guyana free of lymphatic filariasis,” Dr. Sampson urged.
Representing the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr. Kim Eva Dickson reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to supporting Guyana’s elimination efforts. She noted that lymphatic filariasis is among the diseases PAHO is determined to eradicate across the Americas.
“Guyana is a leading force in public health in our region. The Ministry of Health was among the first to champion the integrated disease elimination approach, targeting seven diseases,” Dr. Dickson said.
She added that PAHO teams will be actively engaged in the field, monitoring the campaign’s operations to ensure that every household is reached.
“We have mobilised funding to support this campaign. We have supported the development of operational plans. We have developed training materials, and we are here today. We will not leave even at the end of the campaign,” Dr. Dickson affirmed.
Dr. Dickson also praised Guyana’s continued leadership in regional health initiatives, noting that the country’s success in tackling public health challenges has placed it under observation by other nations seeking to replicate its approach.
The 2025 campaign marks another milestone in Guyana’s long-term mission to eliminate filaria and strengthen its public health systems through collaboration, vigilance, and community engagement.
