I would like to highlight some other important improvement that government has made in the health sector. I will also congratulate the current administration for the emphasis placed on developing this sector, and on improving the lives of Guyanese everywhere. These efforts should truly be commended, especially in light of the symbolism of the month of October, the national breast cancer awareness month.  In 2009, we witnessed the building of new and the modernizing and upgrading of previously existing hospitals and health care facilities, the training of nurses health care staff, and the modernizing of the National Ophthalmology Hospital, the most modern of its kind in the region. As we conclude this decade, recognition must be given to these accomplishments.
The World Bank Indicators statistical comparison of the performance in this sector over the years would reveal that significant progress was made in the health sector. Immunisation rates for measles in children ages 12 – 23 months were increased from 86% in 2000 to a very impressive 95% in 2007. The mortality rate of infants was reduced to 47 per 1000 live births in 2008 from 52 per 1000 live births in 2000. Mortality rate of children under five years old decreased from 70% in 2000 to 61% in 2008. Mal-nutrition prevalence in children ages 12 – 23 months was reduced from 13.6 in 2000 to 10.8 in 2007; and the total years of life expectancy at birth have been increased to 67 in 2008 from 61.8 in 2000.
Improvements in the health sector were urgent and necessary, and as such, government placed much emphasis and resources towards developing this sector. It is citizens who benefit most from the health sector. The beauty of Guyana cannot be showcased if the health of its people, its most valuable resource, is not protected and cared for. These are some of the accomplishments that the Government of Guyana has made in progressively developing the health sector.