MoH, PAHO to launch filaria pill mass distribution from Oct 22

The Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), will begin its Filaria Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign on October 22, aimed at eliminating lymphatic filariasis from communities across the country. The campaign will run until November 4, during which trained pill distributors will go house to house, ensuring that every eligible citizen receives the necessary medication.

Citizens are strongly urged to take the pills when offered, as participation is key to breaking the transmission cycle of the disease. Preparatory works for the campaign are already underway, with the MoH coordinating with regional health offices, local authorities, and community volunteers to ensure smooth distribution.
In 2024, the Health Ministry had mobilised 700 pill distributors to administer filaria pills, targeting Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica), where the risk of LF is particularly high. Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as LF, is a severe disease, causing irreversible swelling in the extremities and genitals.
Public awareness efforts, including radio and social media campaigns, have been intensified to inform citizens about the importance of participation and proper pill intake.
Health officials remind residents that the pills are safe and free, and no prior registration is required. Individuals are encouraged to be at home or make arrangements to receive the medication from designated distributors. The MoH has also advised that those who are pregnant, severely ill, or have certain medical conditions, consult their healthcare provider before taking the medication.

Filariasis
Filariasis is a tropical disease caused by parasitic worms that are spread through mosquito bites. The skin gets thick and hard, resembling an elephant’s skin. Although medically known as lymphatic filariasis (LF), the term elephantiasis is commonly used because symptoms include swelling and enlargement of the arms and legs.
People living in affected tropical or subtropical areas are most at risk of infection. However, short-term visitors to these regions have a very low risk of getting filaria or related conditions.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with PAHO launched the MDA campaign in Guyana in 2017.
The countries of the Americas agreed to a collective approach to the elimination of communicable diseases throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The Elimination Initiative identifies a wide range of diseases and related conditions, including lymphatic filariasis, as potential candidates for elimination in the Region, and enables countries to consolidate efforts and resources towards ending these diseases and ensuring public health.
Most people who are infected will not show symptoms, despite damage to the lymph system and kidneys. Those who do get symptoms most commonly experience swelling of the legs, arms, breasts and genitals.
This disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and can be prevented by sleeping under a mosquito net, covering up skin with long sleeves and trousers, using insect repellent and participating in the MDA campaign by taking your filarial pills when visited by healthcare workers.