Filaria pill distribution exercise starts in Region 10

– launching in Region Six on Saturday

– 254,000 persons already inoculated

The Ministry of Health today launched the final distribution exercise of the mass drug administration (MDA) programme to eliminate filariasis in Guyana in Region Ten.

Minister Hon. Dr Frank Anthony says since the start of the exercise earlier this month, distribution has been progressing well, and he is encouraging the public to take the pills to protect themselves from infection.

To date, 254,000 persons have been inoculated, and the exercise would be taken to Region Six on Saturday.  Dr. Anthony made this disclosure during Friday’s COVID-19 update.   

“As of yesterday, we have been able to give 185,000 persons in Region Four their tablets and in Region Three, we have given 69,000 persons. It’s looking good.”

Minister Anthony also said the overall public response has been positive.

“Most of the people who have taken the tablets have not reported any signs or symptoms. Generally, we don’t expect any complaints because the tablets used were being utilised for some time and while they are effective against the parasite, it has very few side effects with human beings,” he said.

On February 12 and 13, the Ministry launched the distribution exercise of the final dose of medication in National Elimination Campaign of Lymphatic Filariasis in Guyana. The teams were given two weeks to complete the distribution in each region. The programme is expected to conclude by May.

Over the last year, some 1,400 pill distributors, 170 field officers, 20 regional coordinators and eight national supervisors were trained to conduct the exercise.

The MDA programme to supress filaria started in Guyana in October 2019.  Once 70 per cent of the population has been covered, Guyana would be eligible for certification from the WHO that filaria has been eliminated here.  This last lap of the distribution will be done in compliance with the gazetted COVID-19 measures.