By Mark DaCosta- The Alliance for Change (AFC) has raised serious concerns regarding the alarming surge in dengue fever cases across the coastland of Guyana, criticising the government’s inadequate response to what has become a significant public health crisis. With reported cases exceeding 3,000 and over 300 hospitalisations, the outbreak has severely strained the healthcare system, causing considerable distress and loss of life, including among children.
The AFC has highlighted several critical shortcomings in the government’s handling of the dengue fever outbreak, emphasising the urgent need for more effective preventive measures, healthcare capacity enhancement, and public awareness campaigns.
One of the primary concerns is the absence of comprehensive mosquito control and prevention campaigns. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, responsible for transmitting dengue fever, thrives in conditions that are preventable through targeted efforts such as fogging, larviciding, and community clean-up drives. However, the AFC points out that such measures have been noticeably lacking, allowing the mosquito population to flourish and the disease to spread rapidly.
In addition to preventive measures, the AFC has called attention to the insufficient capacity of healthcare facilities to manage the influx of dengue patients. Reports indicate a shortage of medical supplies and a lack of adequately trained personnel to handle the cases effectively. The AFC notes that patients are often only provided with Panadol for headaches and IV fluids to boost the immune system, highlighting the urgent need for securing necessary vaccines and improving treatment protocols.
Another significant issue is the delayed initiation of public awareness campaigns. Educating the population about preventive measures and symptoms of dengue fever is crucial in controlling the outbreak. The government’s delayed efforts in this regard have resulted in widespread confusion and misinformation among citizens, further exacerbating the crisis.
The AFC has called on the government to take immediate and decisive action to address these critical shortcomings. Specifically, the AFC urges the implementation of enhanced mosquito control efforts, including sustained fogging and larviciding operations and community clean-up campaigns to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Moreover, the AFC advocates for a substantial boost in healthcare infrastructure. This includes allocating resources to increase hospital capacity, ensuring an adequate supply of medical necessities, and providing specialised training for healthcare personnel to manage dengue cases more effectively.
Public awareness campaigns must also be intensified and launched through various media channels to educate the public about the symptoms of dengue fever, preventive measures, and the importance of seeking timely medical attention.
The AFC has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the government, health authorities, and civil society organizations to support efforts in combating the dengue fever outbreak and safeguarding the health of all Guyanese citizens.
This call to action comes at a critical time as the nation grapples with the escalating public health crisis. The government must act swiftly and decisively to protect communities and mitigate the impact of the dengue fever outbreak. The AFC remains committed to advocating for policies and actions that prioritise the health and well-being of the nation, ensuring that our natural resources are managed responsibly and contribute to the sustainable development of our beloved country.
