Manual guiding the management of Sexually Transmitted Infections launched
Georgetown, GINA (Government Information Agency) August 19, 2005.

The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Canadian Society of International Health (CSIH) has developed a manual that deals with an outlined strategy for the management of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

‘Guidelines for the Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Guyana’ was launched today at the Ministry of Health and is primarily for use by health care providers in Guyana who manage individuals with possible or proven STIs. The guidelines follow those outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2003.

Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said the manual is consistent with the general obligation of the Ministry that all health programmes must be guided by policy, therefore, people must be trained in using the guidelines.

“STI has been among the major projects. In the laboratory testing, the sequence of diagnosis and treatment of STI. Now we are ensuring that there is assistance, since we have the manuals and all health workers will be trained,” Minister Ramsammy said.

Initial drafts of the manual were prepared by CSIH and were subsequently circulated and reviewed by several health agencies including the Ministry of Health and United States (US) Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Global AIDS Programme Guyana (CDC/GAP).

These guidelines form part of the Public Health Strengthening in Guyana project that is managed by the CSIH and is a project being executed by the Governments of Guyana and Canada.

It is being funded through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Minister Ramsammy also noted that the Ministry is proud to launch the manual since it will allow for the establishment of other such documents.

Previous manuals have been developed for use in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Home and Community Care. The Minister pointed out that the Ministry of Health and other health organisations in Guyana have been working collaboratively towards a set goal.

“I am happy, that in Guyana all of our partners have been working with each other in the health sector, ” the minister said. http://www.gina.gov.gy/archive/daily/b050819.html