Mahaica

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Mahaica hospital is a facility located about 45 minutes outside of Georgetown. This hospital houses and provides care for individuals suffering from the various symptoms of Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy. Hansen's disease attacks the body’s nervous system.

Contrary to popular belief, Hansen's disease is not highly contageous, and is in fact completely curable. After one month of treatment, people affected by the disease cannot transmit it to others. However, the neurological and physical effects of the disease are permanent. As a result, most of the residents are incapable of living completely independently.

The stigma associated with the disease in Guyana, and the rest of the world, means that visitors are rare. The facility currently houses about eight individuals. While visiting Mahaica, you will very likely find yourself playing a rousing game of dominos, or in deep conversation with one of the residents.