PAHO and Ministry of Health Launch National Mass Drug Administration to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in Guyana

Georgetown, Guyana, 13 November 2025 - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Ministry of Health, today, officially launched the 2025 Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign, a vital step toward eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and other neglected tropical diseases that continue to affect Guyanese communities.
The launch marks a renewed national commitment to disease elimination and is part of PAHO's Elimination Initiative, which seeks to end more than 30 diseases and related conditions in the Americas by 2030.

"Our goal is simple yet profound: to improve the quality of life for people and communities," said Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, PAHO/WHO Representative in Guyana. "These achievements across the Americas, from the eradication of smallpox and polio to the elimination of rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, and neonatal tetanus prove that elimination is possible when we work together. Today, we reaffirm that commitment."

Dr. Dickson commended Guyana's leadership in public health, noting that the country was among the first in the region to adopt an integrated disease elimination approach targeting seven diseases, including Lymphatic Filariasis, Canine Rabies, and Mother-to-Child transmission of HIV.

"Guyana has also taken bold steps to reinforce its commitment to the One Health approach, pandemic preparedness, and increasing access to essential health services," Dr. Dickson added. "This leadership is not just institutional, it is personal, driven by the tireless work of hundreds of individuals who continue to make a difference."

Mass Drug Administration Program

The 2025 campaign will focus on Region 4 and the community of La Parfaite Harmony, where transmission remains above the 1% threshold. The MDA involves administering a combination of albendazole, diethylcarbamazine (DEC), and ivermectin, a proven triple therapy that kills the microfilariae, the parasitic worm, which when spread, from person to person results in presentation of the disease.
"If we give these three drugs, then the worms in a person will disappear," explained Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony. "That person would no longer be able to transmit the disease. We want every single Guyanese to be rid of these baby worms in their system."

Dr. Anthony emphasized that while the science behind the campaign is well-established, its success depends heavily on community participation and the commitment of field workers.
"The science is known; we have seen it work in other countries," he said. "The real question is how we mobilize ourselves to make sure that every person gets these medications."

Community Mobilization and Field Operations

To achieve this, the Ministry of Health has recruited 639 field workers, including pill distributors, with support from PAHO and other partners. These workers will go door-to-door to educate residents and ensure that each person receives and takes the medication.

"If we go to people's gates with an attitude, we are not going to persuade anyone," Dr. Anthony cautioned. "We must go with knowledge and respect. Our field teams walking under the blazing sun and through rain are nothing short of heroic."

Dr. Dickson echoed this sentiment, highlighting that "during the COVID-19 pandemic, Guyana persisted with the MDA campaign which was successfully implemented across a broader geographic area and earned global admiration and respect."

"Today, as we launch MDA 2025, remember: the eyes of many countries are watching Guyana," she said. "Your work is setting a standard, inspiring others, and making history."

Accountability and Monitoring

To ensure transparency and efficiency, the campaign will include daily reporting, supervision, and random field audits conducted by the Ministry of Health and PAHO teams.
"If we want to really eliminate this disease, we have to be serious," Dr. Anthony said. "We must ensure that every home is reached, every person is covered, and that the data we report reflects real work on the ground."
He also reminded field staff that performance will be tied to remuneration and urged honesty in reporting: "The work must be tied to the remuneration you are getting, and those who perform well will be recognized and rewarded."

Health Impact and Vision for 2030

Lymphatic Filariasis, a mosquito-borne parasitic disease, can cause severe swelling of the limbs, known locally as "Bigfoot", and other disfiguring symptoms. Thanks to decades of public health intervention, Guyana has drastically reduced such cases, but the Minister stressed the need to "go one step further to complete the job."
"I don't think there's anybody in this country who would want to develop Bigfoot," he said. "We've made tremendous progress, but we must finish what we started."

The MDA initiative forms part of Guyana's broader 2030 Disease Elimination Strategy, which also targets Chagas disease, leprosy, leishmaniasis, hepatitis C, and malaria.

"By 2030, we want to see Guyana declared filaria-free," Dr. Anthony affirmed. "That would be a major public health victory for our nation."

Dr. Dickson concluded her speech by reaffirming PAHO's ongoing support:

"To our partners, colleagues, and friends - PAHO will remain by your side every step of the way. We are proud to walk this journey with you."