The Government of Guyana has received a shipment of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to support its national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The consignment of supplies was procured through funding from the European Union (EU) through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme of Support for Health Security Strengthening for Prevention and Control of Outbreaks of Communicable Diseases in the Caribbean which is being implemented by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
CARPHA procured the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for Guyana, which includes 1,250 protective coveralls and 8,125 N95 respirators.
The EU grant seeks to improve health security in the Region and strengthen capacity of CARPHA Member States for the detection, surveillance, prevention, control and response to epidemics of Communicable diseases, such as COVID-19. The EU grant supports CARPHA Member States’ national COVID-19 preparedness and response and has financed the procurement of much needed medical supplies.
Executive Director of CARPHA Dr. Joy St. John emphasized the importance of this donation, stating that “This critical and timely support will strengthen Guyana’s capacity during this time of greatest need. No effort is being spared to offer assistance to the citizens of our Member States and those who take care of them. CARPHA works closely with Member States to identify their needs and provides guidance and support in the continued fight against COVID-19. The provision of PPE to Guyana would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the EU and its commitment to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the Caribbean Region.”
“On behalf of the Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Health wish to express profound gratitude to the European Development Fund Programme for this generous donation of PPEs. The outbreak of COVID-19 has placed enormous pressure on health care systems around the world and has highlighted, inter alia, the importance of adequate resources to serve the population. Like many other countries during this time, the procurement of drugs and medical supplies into the country has been difficult, adding to the pressure of managing the health crisis,” stated Mr. Malcolm Watkins, Permanent Secretary of Health.
He further stated “The most at-risk populations are our doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers who are on the frontline of the pandemic. They are responding with courage, resolve and exemplary professionalism. This donation of PPEs to the Government of Guyana and its people will strengthen our health care system by providing much needed protection to our health care workers and patients and thus reducing the spread of COVID-19.”
More information about the project https://www.carpha.org/Projects/Ongoing-Projects/11th-EDF-Regional-Health-Security