Guyana is intensifying efforts to eliminate several infectious diseases while strengthening laboratory capacity, healthcare worker training and clinical quality across the health system, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said.
Dr. Anthony outlined the initiatives while addressing the Strengthening Clinical Capacity for the Management of Advanced HIV Disease in Guyana workshop, being held at the Ministry of Health’s Boardroom, Brickdam, from September 14–15, 2026.
The Minister highlighted Guyana’s ongoing efforts to eliminate several infectious diseases, identifying lymphatic filariasis, leishmaniasis, leprosy, malaria and hepatitis C as areas where significant progress has been made and where further action could result in elimination or substantial reductions in disease burden.
Guyana is currently undergoing evaluations related to lymphatic filariasis, and Dr. Anthony expressed optimism that the country is approaching the point at which it can be certified as having eliminated the disease.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to address leishmaniasis and leprosy, while noting that Guyana must increasingly shift its approach to malaria from control towards elimination.
The Minister said Guyana has also begun strengthening its response to hepatitis C, noting that the high cost of treatment had historically been a significant barrier to providing care.
According to Dr. Anthony, through collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), medicines can now be obtained for less than US$100 per patient, creating an opportunity to expand diagnosis and treatment.
“The reason why we targeted hep C is that we were diagnosing people when they came for blood transfusion, but we didn’t have a means of treating them,” he explained.
He said the focus now must be on developing programmes to ensure that persons diagnosed with hepatitis C are appropriately linked to treatment.
Dr. Anthony further highlighted plans to strengthen Guyana’s laboratory and disease-surveillance capabilities.
A new reference laboratory is being constructed and will be equipped with improved technology to enhance the country’s capacity to conduct molecular surveillance and detect infections earlier.
“These investments will strengthen Guyana’s capacity to respond to emerging infectious diseases,” the Minister said, adding that local laboratories could eventually serve as reference laboratories for specific conditions.
He noted that new technologies and diagnostic techniques will increasingly be employed to strengthen the country’s ability to identify infections earlier and respond more effectively to emerging health threats.
Dr. Anthony stressed that strengthening the health system also requires sustained investment in its human resources.
He highlighted opportunities for Guyanese healthcare professionals to access training and fellowships through international partnerships with institutions in Brazil, the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom.
Among the institutions and partners referenced were Harvard University, Mount Sinai Health System, Northwell Hospital, McMaster University and Apollo University, alongside other international collaborators.
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