Guyana commits to eliminating leprosy by 2030 – Dr Anthony

– commends PAHO for leading regional effort

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has reaffirmed Guyana’s national commitment to eliminating leprosy by 2030 while commending the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for spearheading a regional effort to end the disease.
Dr Anthony addressed the gathering at the launch of the Subregional Leprosy Training Workshop being facilitated by PAHO in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday in Guyana.

The initiative aims to strengthen clinical, laboratory, and programmatic capacities across participating countries to enhance leprosy case detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
The workshop also seeks to support the development of national strategies aligned with the global leprosy elimination goals. Participants from eight countries are attending the training, which features a combination of theoretical sessions, hands-on clinical practice with patients, supervised laboratory activities, and modules on prevention, treatment, and documentation.
“We have made significant strides in controlling leprosy, but our goal is total elimination,” Dr Anthony said while adding, “This workshop is timely, as it will equip our health professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to identify and treat cases early and to ensure that stigma does not hinder care and rehabilitation.”
He further highlighted that the Ministry continues to strengthen its national health programmes aimed at the prevention and elimination of other priority conditions, including epilepsy and cervical cancer, the latter being the second most prevalent cancer among women in Guyana.
The training will help countries adopt best practices and accelerate progress toward the global target of zero leprosy. The event reflects PAHO’s continued commitment to supporting Member States in strengthening health systems, reducing disease burden, and advancing the vision of universal health for all.