THE Ministry of Health, on Friday, received a quantity of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) donated by the Government of Brazil. Subject Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, said he was grateful that the neighbouring country responded to Guyana’s request for assistance.
“A big thank you to Brazil for stepping forward and assisting us with this much needed ARVs … We’ve all been following the challenges that COVID has posed to all countries around the world…There has been restrictions and disruption in the logistics [of] supplies of medicines and other pharmaceuticals,” Dr. Anthony was quoted as saying by the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Dr. Anthony said this can easily disrupt programmes such as the HIV response programme, that positively impact people’s lives. According to DPI, the minister told the Brazilian officials that he looks forward to strengthened collaboration between the two countries’ health ministries.
Brazil’s Ambassador, Maria Clara Duclos Carisio, expressed similar sentiments; she said she looks forward to the continued partnership, especially as the pandemic prevails, and given the closeness of the countries’ borders. She also anticipates strengthened cooperation in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Meanwhile, Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) representative, Dr. Luis Felipe Codina, said the simple presentation was an excellent demonstration of the co-operation between the two countries. He said the partnership is a typical model of South-South co-operation.
Brazil Deputy Head of Mission, Minister Paulo Eduardo Borda Silos; Programme Manager, National Aids Programme Secretariat, Dr. Tariq Jagnarine, and representatives of the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation also attended the ceremony.