US donates 20,000 malaria rapid diagnostic tests to Guyana

The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Guyana, has donated 20,000 malaria rapid diagnostic tests to the Guyana National Malaria Program.
The donation, made in response to a malaria test kit shortage in Guyana, would greatly strengthen the country’s malaria response.
U.S. Ambassador Nicole D. Theriot has reiterated that “the United States is a committed and long-term partner in Guyana’s development. This donation supports the Government of Guyana’s vision of a malaria-free Guyana by 2030.”

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony thanked the US for the donation by stating, “The Ministry of Health expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the Government of the United States of America for its generous donation of 20,000 malaria rapid diagnostic kits. The kits will significantly enhance our capacity to promptly and precisely diagnose malaria in many rural communities across Guyana, and will safeguard the wellbeing of our citizens. We are thankful for the ongoing partnership, which has assisted Guyana tremendously over the years.”

The kits are intended for use in Regions 1, 7, 8, 9, and 10, which account for more than 95 percent of Guyana’s malaria cases.
Since 2016, the United States Government has been helping Guyana fight malaria through its regional malaria program, in collaboration with partners such as PAHO and the USAID

Breakthrough Action team
Some notable achievements to date include mapping out areas with high malaria rates; distributing 3,000 mosquito nets, thus enhancing malaria management in Regions 7 and 8; and facilitating a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Health, Government entities, and mining associations.