Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony today indicated that the Government has not ruled out the possibility of acquiring a dengue vaccine, despite being confronted by a number of challenges that are not unique to Guyana. 

Dr. Anthony reporters today that vaccines for dengue are not only scarce, but are extremely expensive. However, with the help of regional and international partners such as the Pan American Organization (PAHO), Guyana and other countries in the Americas can have access to the dengue vaccine, citing one produced by Japan. 

“There is a vaccine that is manufactured in Japan but right now global supply is very scarce. For example, a lot of this vaccine has been brought by Brazil, and they have an immunization programme where they are giving to their five to 10 years of age, they have been giving to the children of Brazil. But the vaccine is quite expensive and right now it is very scarce. So, the price probably has gone up too. We were looking into it, and if we get an organisation like PAHO to access the vaccine, through their strategic fund, and make it available at a cheaper cost, then it would become more affordable to countries like in the Americas,” he explained. 

In May, the World Health Organization (WHO) cleared the dengue vaccine manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals’ – a Japanese firm. 

However, Minister Anthony said in addition to the cost and availability, there is the issue of efficacy. According to him, the efficacy of dengue vaccines is not high, and varies based on the variant. Currently, there are four different but closely-related dengue virus types in circulation in the Americas – DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4. 

Minister Anthony said in the interim, the Health Ministry is focusing on prevention and early detection of dengue cases. 

“We will continue to work. We want to identify patients early, and if we do that early and detect persons who have severe dengue, then we hospitalize them, then we could provide treatment for them. And, that’s what most programmes are do,” Minister Anthony explained. 

In 2023, the Health Ministry conducted 26,000 dengue tests, and has already surpassed that number for 2024, with approximately 29,000 tests conducted so far for this year.

Minister Anthony said Guyana has recorded more than 6,000 positive cases of dengue so far for 2024.

A number of deaths have also been recorded.

According to Minister Anthony, the country is doing much better in managing the disease with vector control services intensified in all of the regions. 

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