Health Ministry to roll out human leukocyte antigen (hla) testing locally

…ministry working to recruit technical personnel – Dr Anthony

The health ministry in an effort to widen its services to the Guyanese population, is currently in the process of establishing Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) testing locally.
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing, also referred to as HLA typing or tissue typing, is a blood test used to identify HLA antigens present on the surface of cells and tissues. These antigens are proteins integral to the immune system, enabling the body to differentiate between its own cells and foreign ones.
This new medical service was highlighted by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Saturday during a Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA) inaugural stakeholders’ meeting which was held at the Grand Coastal Hotel.
The high-level engagement brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and other key stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing the country’s transplant capabilities.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Anthony, underscored the life-saving potential of organ and tissue transplantation and its vital role in improving healthcare outcomes. He noted that as parts of efforts to enhance the organ transplant landscape in Guyana, the ministry of health is currently in the process of rolling out Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) testing in the country.
“We aim to establish Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) testing locally. The equipment has already been procured, and we are working on recruiting technical personnel. While this process will take time, our vision extends beyond Guyana, we aspire to become a center of excellence for the Caribbean,” Dr. Anthony stated.’
Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are specialized proteins present on the surface of all cells in the body except red blood cells. The HLA genes that individuals inherit are responsible for the HLA antigens present on their cells. HLA testing identifies the major HLA antigens that are present on the surface of an individual’s cells and the antibodies to HLA antigens as well as the genes that are responsible for HLA antigens, primarily to match transplant donors and recipients.

Additionally, the health minster lauded HOATTA for its dedication to ensuring safe, accessible, and high-quality transplant services Guyana. Moreover, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting HOATTA’s initiatives and called for collective efforts to build a robust national transplant program adhering to the highest ethical and medical standards.
The meeting included a comprehensive review of the current state of organ donation and transplantation in Guyana. Discussions covered key areas such as legislation, donor recruitment, and raising public awareness.
Among the participants were Daniel Albrecht, Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO); Dr Shanti Singh-Anthony, Chair, HOATTA; Dr Sondia Gordon, CEO and Secretary, HOATTA; Members, Dr David Samaroo; Dr. Pedro Lewis; Dr Kamela Bemaul-Sukhu and other stakeholders.