Remain on alert for contagious diseases -PAHO consultant

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, May 17, 2018

International consultant to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Dr. Mariano Bonet says local authorities should remain on high alert for contagious diseases in border regions.

Speaking at a recently concluded workshop and simulation exercise to test Guyana’s emergency preparedness plan Doctor Bonet said, “Since May, the northern area of South America is under an emergency situation following a declaration by the PAHO Health Director Dr. Carissa Etienne. This is because there are two epidemics in Venezuela and two in Brazil that are very challenging for the four countries – Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia and Guyana. In Venezuela, there are cases of measles, diphtheria, malaria and also cases of yellow fever.”

Further, the international consultant noted the challenges posed by the porous nature of Guyana’s borders and the ease with which Venezuelans and Brazilians visit these shores.  This, he said, presents greater possibilities for disease transfer.

The health consultant explained, “There is the epidemic of yellow fever that is still present in Brazil and circulating measles in the Roraima state and on the border with Guyana where there are nomadic Warrau tribes in the forests. So, the potentiality of transmission of measles is big.” He further added, “We are working in the right way, mobilising the different sectors of civil society, everybody within the two borders where we have higher risks.”

In addition, Doctor Bonet reiterated it is crucial that residents and officials of frontline communities be able to recognise and report developments in real time. He also restated the need for airports, seaports and borders to be carefully manned.

Following a “rapid assessment which was conducted over the last two months, in Guyana’s frontline communities, it was ascertained that the Toshaos and village councillors are the “units with timely information.”

Meanwhile, health officials are remaining on high alert after the Public Health Ministry cited the deteriorating conditions, particularly in Venezuela and the influx of persons to border communities, several months ago.

By Kidackie Amsterdam

Images courtesy of Leroy Lyttle