Guyana Scales Up Respiratory Virus Surveillance: A Quiet Revolution in Public Health – PAHO/WHO

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA 24 SEPTEMBER 2025— In a decisive move to strengthen national health security, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has significantly expanded its sentinel surveillance system for respiratory viruses. This initiative, launched in April 2023, marks a major step forward in Guyana’s ability to detect, monitor, and respond to influenza and other respiratory threats.

Over the past two years, the Ministry of Health, with continued support from PAHO Guyana, has increased the number of sentinel surveillance sites in the country from four to twelve. These twelve sentinel sites are strategically distributed across the country to improve testing and service delivery and ensure timely detection of outbreaks. These sites serve as critical watchpoints, collecting data and samples from patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI).

“This expansion is not just about numbers, it’s about building a resilient health system,” said a Ministry of Health official. “We’re empowering frontline workers with the tools and training they need to protect their communities.”

Global Integration and Local Impact

Guyana’s surveillance data is now reported weekly to FluNet and FluID, global platforms managed by PAHO/WHO to track influenza trends and inform international response strategies. This integration places Guyana firmly on the map of global health collaboration.

Frontline workers received SARI/ILI sensitization materials on sample collection and testing

The impact is already being felt at the local level. Health workers are receiving refresher training on case definitions, sample collection, and data reporting protocols. These efforts aim to ensure consistency and quality across all sentinel sites.

“Before, we were doing our best with limited guidance,” said a Doctor from Region 9. “Now, we have clear protocols and support from national teams. It’s made a real difference.”

Site Visits and Regional Assessments

Since the commencement of this round of SARI/ILI Sentinel Site visits on August 20, 2025, a joint team of personnel from the Ministry of Health and PAHO have conducted site visits to four sites across the country.

In the coming weeks, national surveillance teams will conduct site visits to the remaining sentinel sites to reinforce capacity and provide feedback on sample quality and response measures. These visits will also serve to strengthen coordination between national and site-level teams, a key factor in ensuring the system’s sustainability.

The goal is to ensure that each region is fully equipped with the necessary infrastructure, supplies, and trained personnel.

Assessments of methods of sample collection and testing being conducted at Sentinel Sites in Regions 1 and 9

PAHO’s Continued Support

PAHO has pledged ongoing technical support to the Ministry of Health, including training for data management teams on the PAHOFlu platform and assistance in overcoming data-related challenges.
“This is a long-term partnership,” said a PAHO representative. “We’re committed to helping Guyana build a robust surveillance system that can respond to current and future respiratory threats.”

A Model for the Region

Guyana’s progress in sentinel surveillance is being viewed as a model for other countries in the Caribbean region. By investing in early detection and data-driven response, the country is laying the groundwork for stronger epidemic preparedness.

As respiratory viruses continue to evolve, Guyana’s quiet revolution in public health surveillance is proving that with the right partnerships, training, and commitment, even small nations can make a big impact.