The Ministry of Health has introduced additional measures to tackle the growing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases across Guyana, including the establishment of a dedicated Chronic Diseases Department.
Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony said the department was created after recognising many of the country’s major health challenges are linked to long-term conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
He explained that there are around 20,000 people with diabetes and about the same number with hypertension.
This sum includes people who have both conditions.
“As you know, obviously, with diabetes and hypertension, it would affect the kidneys if we don’t manage these conditions properly,” he said while speaking at the World Kidney Day conference recently.
As a result, the ministry has partnered with international institutions, including Mount Sinai, to develop national treatment guidelines. These guidelines are now being rolled out across the country’s network of approximately 450 health facilities.
Dr Anthony also highlighted the success of the government’s universal health voucher programme, which allows Guyanese countrywide to access laboratory testing. It can be used at approximately 45 private laboratories that are partnering with the government.
The health minister disclosed that more people have come forward to undergo testing, such as HbA1c screening, used to monitor blood sugar levels.
“We have also seen a lot of people we can classify as pre-diabetic. If we start working with them early, we can delay the onset of diabetes. Even for those persons with diabetes, what we want to do is ensure they are properly treated so they don’t develop complications,” he said.
The minister further highlighted that the country has seen an increase in amputations among diabetic patients, noting that the ministry plans to hold discussions with the rehab, internal medicine and surgical departments across hospitals to address this growing issue.
The ministry is also looking to expand services for chronic respiratory illnesses, which have become a growing concern, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ministry is working with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to develop a long-term strategy to strengthen the country’s response.