PAHO/WHO launched the WHO pilot Initiative: “Strengthening Civil Society Engagements in the COVID-19 Response.” This is the first of its kind and Guyana was selected as one of the countries to implement this project.

PAHO/WHO Guyana Country Office is pleased to partner with two prominent Civil Society Organizations (CSOs); the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association and the Guyana National Youth Council on this project. The CSOs presented on their workplans for the roll out of the project which focused on the health and wellbeing of young people, women and adolescent and the importance of accessing good and quality of Health services during COVID-19 response and even beyond.

Advocacy tranings will be conducted with youths to become ambassadors during the COVID-19 response and to engage other youths on the importants of adhearing to the COVID-19 protocols, and also the access to good health services needed.

Dr. Codina, PAHO/WHO Representative, stated that the two projects have and opportunity to work coherently according to their objectives, which focus on access to Health Services and Health Promotion among youths.

Ms. Tamica Noel, the PAHO Project manager took the opportunity to thank both partners for embracing this opportunity and diligently responding to the call for expression of interest and charged the CSOs teams to execute their respective workplans with confidence for the benefit of the people of Guyana. Also taking into consideration the COVID-19 Public Health and Social Measures.

Currently, it is in its implementation stage where there is provision of service for adolescents, migrants and other vulnerable population.  Baseline assessments will be conducted in selected communities and capacity building for adolescent boys, girls and other youths.  The CSOs will receive full support from PAHO in order to make this project a great success.