IN observance of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary, the Pan- American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) will be reflecting on achievements in the health sector over the past 50 years. Health Systems and Service Advisor, Dr Paul Edwards said PAHO/WHO Guyana Office is capitalising on this opportunity to reflect, compile and present on the achievements and challenges in the local health sector.
Dr Edwards made this disclosure on Monday during a ‘Brown Bag Meeting with the Media’ at the Country Office, Brickdam.

PAHO/WHO Country Representative Dr William Adu Krow, Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud and Health Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Trevor Thomas were among the officials presenting during the meeting.
A photo gallery book, a progress health report, an award ceremony and health fair are among the activities planned by the health organisation.
Dr Edwards explained that there will be a photo gallery book and progress health report at the Marriott International Hotel on May 12 at 9:00h. There would also be an award ceremony, starting at 6:30pm at the same location. This ceremony will acknowledge persons who have made outstanding contributions to the health sector.
“A consultant has been hired for the development of this report; the outline of the report has been established and the writing of the report is in the initial stages. This report will compile useful information that comprehensively chronicles health achievements and development, including health status, over the years 1966-2016,” he explained. For this report, data would be collected from the Public Health Ministry, the National Library and National Newspaper. However, information will also be sourced from research and interviews.
“It is envisioned that it will benefit a wide array of persons including the current health sector, students, and the public. It will also present a foundation that would inform development planning,” Dr Edwards said as he alluded to the progress of the health report.
The date for the health fair which is being held in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry, has not been finalised. However, the health symposium will be conducted at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on May 13.
Notably, PAHO/WHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne and past country representatives who worked during the period of Independence have been invited.
The Chief Medical Officer, in delivering brief remarks, said Guyana’s health system has passed through many stages since Independence.
“Unfortunately for us at the Ministry, we had two major fires and those fires took away a lot of the historic evidence on some of the work that was done at the Ministry in the past.”
He noted that prior to Independence, Guyana had placed major emphasis on sanitation and hygiene, and unfortunately this remains a problem.
“We are still plagued with a lot of sanitation issues. So I think although that has been an early engagement for health, we still have a lot of work to do in this area.”
Subsequent to Independence, the CMO said a lot of focus was placed on food and nutrition, mainly to address the issue of malnutrition.
“We used to have severe malnutrition problems, particularly in the hinterland and in remote areas. Communicable diseases were of major concern,” he explained.
Dr Persaud said today HIV/AIDS, mental health – including suicide, accidents, violence and injuries are of major concern to local health authorities. But these issues, he assured, will be addressed head-on during the execution of the revised Health Vision 2020 Strategy.

By Svetlana Marshall