Berbice hosts first ever national environmental health conference
–event draws ‘reps’ from Regions 2, 3, 5 and 6

UNDER the theme ‘Enhancing healthcare through preventative medicine’, the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) began the observance of Environmental Health Week by holding the first national environmental health conference, which drew participants from four of the ten administrative regions in Guyana.

Environmental heath workers from Regions 2, 3, 5 and 6 participated in four sessions at the symposium which focused on the environmental sanitation regarding anti-mosquito measures, food safety, public health

prosecution, water and safety hygiene, vector control, water quality, mandatory requirements for labeling of goods and climate change.

Prior to the formal sessions in the boardroom of the BRHA, brief remarks were made by public health officials of Region 6 followed by an address from the Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) representative to Guyana, Dr. William Adu-Krow.
Dr. Adu-Krow in his address stated that he is impressed with the work of the BRHA in the area of environmental health and lauded the stakeholders for their efforts in undertaking major assignments in that regard.

“You are on the right track in this region, I want to commend you for contributions in enhancing environmental health,” he said.

The World Health official also called for the implementation of a viable environmental health programme.
He said: “We (PAHO/WHO) are prepared to support such a programme with a minimum of $300,000 once we see positive effects emanating.”

In response to the challenge, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the BRHA, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo stated that his team will be working towards the implementation of a programme that will enhance environmental health and with the anticipated financial support of PAHO/WHO, the health agency will be able to expand its programme.

Mahadeo then highlighted the accomplishments of the BRHA over the last decade and noted that his charges have done well to put their entity on the health map.
“This is history in the making and there can only be one ‘first’ in Guyana and this national environmental health conference is testimony to the fact,” he maintained.

The CEO concluded that the participation of personnel from other regions of Guyana, indicates an exchange of thoughts and plans of how to improve their strategy in dealing with environmental issues.
World Environment Day will be observed tomorrow and the BRHA has taken one step forward in demonstrating to the nation that environmental health is critical for global development.

(By Michael Khan)