This morning in the Ministry of Health’s compound, the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony handed over the keys of a brand new 4X4 pick up to the Supervisor for region Seven Malaria Department, Ms. Natalie Griffith.
The Pickup vehicle will assist with the fight against malaria and provide mobility to the staff and team in the region. It was purchased under the Global Fund at a value of GY$9,658,750
During his brief remarks, Dr Anthony stated that not only region seven has seen an increase in Malaria cases but also regions one (Barima-Waini), eight (Potaro-Siparuni), nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and parts of ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) have been seeing an increase in cases. He added that through Global Fund, the MOH was able to access over fifty-seven insecticide-impregnated bed nets (insecticide-treated bed nets), last year, which were donated to different communities across the country. He made note that some of these bed nets can also be used in hammocks. With these donations, the minister stated that they will be able to reduce the amount of malaria cases being seen in the regions.
The Minister, also highlighted the Ministry has recently implemented the use of rapid tests for diagnosing Malaria throughout the ten administrative regions, along with the current use of microscopic testing.
Among those present at the handing over were Hinterland Coordinator, Mr Micheal Gouveia, and Director (Ag) for Vector Control Services, Dr Reza Niles-Robin.
