— procured through support from Canada

GUYANA, on Friday, received 55,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines procured through support from Canada. According to a release, the vaccines were received at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by Health Ministry’s representative, Dr Leslie Ramsammy; Political Counsellor at the High Commission of Canada, Caroline Mireault, and Officer-in-Charge at PAHO/WHO, Daniel Albert.

High Commissioner of Canada, Mark Berman, in a comment, applauded the efforts of the Government of Guyana to ensure that vaccines are available for everyone in the country and stated that Canada is committed to continuing to support Guyana’s efforts.

“The Government of Guyana has done tremendous work to ensure the availability and access of vaccines to the people in need. But we also recognise that the migrant populations have also put an additional weight on the healthcare system. As such, Canada is proud to be able to provide this support to the Ministry of Health in an effort to ensure the entire population could be served,” he stated.

Earlier this year, Canada had announced a contribution of CAD$50 million to the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO). Canada’s contribution includes targeted support of at least CAD$6M to the Caribbean, given the disproportionate impacts of the pandemic on small island developing states. The funding is also supporting national efforts to introduce COVID-19 vaccines and reaching populations living in situations of vulnerability, particularly women and migrants.

In Guyana, since the start of the pandemic, through PAHO, Canada has procured PPEs, provided thousands of testing kits and equipment, supported training to strengthen diagnostic testing and sample taking, supported mental health psychosocial support campaigns and risk communication, and also provided essential cleaning and sanitation supplies.

Canada, the release noted, has also been proud to provide additional support to PAHO in collaboration with the US, UK and the EU to facilitate further access to vaccines through the COVAX facility to complement national efforts by the Government of Guyana.

“In the midst of the pandemic, PAHO continues to be a reliable and trusted partner in this time of crisis. COVID-19 knows no borders and no country can face this challenge on its own. Canada is proud to support efforts to fight COVID-19 in Guyana and as the pandemic evolves, Canada will continue to support efforts to adapt and find pandemic recovery solutions that work for all,” the release concluded.