GEORGETOWN- 19 July 2022- Guyana Ministry of Health received a donation of 50 Midwifery Kits and 50 Infant Scales from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) through the Canada Global Affairs Project, which aims to improve the health of adolescent women across the ten administrative regions of Guyana.
Despite the overall improvements in women, children, and adolescents' health in Latin America and the Caribbean over the past few decades, this progress is still seen as unequal concerning lower socio-economic households. Those living in rural settings have higher morbidity and mortality burdens, continue to face barriers to access health services and remain underserved by health programs, strategies, and plans. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated these long-standing inequalities.
Dr. Luis Codina, Representative of the PAHO/WHO Guyana Country Office, said that PAHO would be working along with the MOH in the regions to assist adolescents and pregnant mothers through empowerment and ensuring that they receive the support and services needed.
Ms. Jessica Teasdale, Counselor, Canadian High Commission, stated that the project aims to educate and empower young women to make the best choices for themselves.
"We hope that through this handing over of materials, we will assist in making progressive and substantial changes."
To address these challenges, the Improved Health of Women and Adolescent Girls in Situations of Vulnerability (IHWAG) Project a cooperation agreement between the Government of Canada's Department of Global Affairs Canada and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), is being implemented between 2021-2025. The approved sum was CAD$15 million for six (6) countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Honduras, and Peru).
Meanwhile, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, expressed his gratitude and said that the donation is timely and will help enhance the programme delivery. Minister Anthony highlighted that one of the focuses of the Ministry is health promotion engagement among adolescent girls to reduce teenage pregnancy while empowering them to make the right decisions.
"This is something the Ministry has been working on in collaboration with other government agencies. We want to provide better services at every Health Centre to ensure that they are properly equipped with the necessary instruments and materials, " Minister Anthony stated.
He explained that the programme is- going and the provision of equipment will boost the initiative.
PAHO/WHO Guyana CO will continue to provide technical cooperation to the Ministry of Health and other partners to improve the health and well-being of our vulnerable population and ensure Universal Health and Access.
