“PERSONS often sacrifice by walking long distances for miles to collect clothing and medication”, this according to Guyana International Relief Organisation (GIRO) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shazaad Khan. Surely these words are the thrust that continues to drive the need for the NGO to vehemently pursue its quest for the provision of humanitarian relief. 

The CEO noted that the response to the programmes conducted by the organisation is a reflection of the needs of the people in those locations.
The Guyana International Relief Organisation (GIRO), a name not too familiar among citizens of Guyana, has continued to make its strides in a more than impressive way in the more remote and underprivileged regions of the country. The organisation has set itself to be a shining example of altruism and humanitarianism, owing to dedication and sheer passion for giving back.

GIRO began its operations in 2004, receiving accreditation from both the Ministry of Human Services and the Guyana Revenue Authority. Since that time, the entity has aided in the provision of humanitarian relief extending through medical outreaches, feeding programmes, clothing distribution, and skills training programmes.
In December 2013, the organisation conducted a number of medical outreaches with the assistance of Doctors Paez Hernandez Pedro, Shaneeza Mohamed, Afeefa Mohamed and Medex Kamine Mahadeo. The outreaches were conducted in Lima Sands, Essequibo and included a feeding and clothing distribution programme. The CEO, in an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, was eager to note that GIRO had also engaged in the cleaning and painting of the Masjid Al-Kahf- Lima Sands.
The efforts of the organisation were lauded by the Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsarran, as well as the Corentyne Chamber of Commerce. So much so that the Ministry has since sought to collaborate with the NGO, and has assigned a liaison to the entity as a gesture of goodwill, this according to the organisation’s CEO.
Khan was instrumental in coordinating a team of dedicated doctors, pharmacists and volunteers who have vehemently advocated for and succeeded in acquiring wheelchairs for physiotherapy at the Suddie Hospital, Region 2 (Pomeroon Supenaam), which are loaned to patients and returned to the care of the facility after they would have recovered, so that others could benefit from them.
The organisation played an integral role in alleviating shortages at the Blood Bank at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Some 172 units of blood were donated from medical outreaches conducted at Leonora, La Grange and

Providence, with a proposed blood drive to be convened in Anna Regina. This move has been approved by the Anna Regina Town Council, and will be facilitated by the Ministry of Health, according to Khan, who was also identified as being a Patient Care Advocate appointed by the Minister of Health.

Khan observed that in no way was it possible to accomplish the works done by the organisation had it not been for the kind patronage of supporting entities. He noted that the Ministry of Health was integral in facilitating the organisation in its interventions, particularly in the donation of medical supplies. The CEO reiterated that the organisation had seen sizable contributions from Best Buy Pharmacy, Mike’s Pharmacy, Twin’s Pharmacy, Discount Palace of Lusignan.

(By Derwayne Wills )