Remarks as prepared
Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch
Donation of medical equipment to Region 10
February 3, 2023
Minister of Health, Honorable Dr. Frank Anthony,
Regional Chairman, Mr. Derron Adams,
Regional Health Officer, Dr. Gregory Harris,
Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Dwight John,
Medical Superintendent, Dr. Trevlon Braithwaite,
Members of the media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good afternoon! It is a such a great privilege to join you today in Linden as the spirit of partnership and goodwill between Guyana and the United States grows. Together, through our partnership, we’ve endured a pandemic that has changed our lives and challenged our communities. While COVID-19 still impacts many of us, we will move forward together, to face additional challenges and welcome new opportunities.
Since 2021, the United States Government is proud to be a strong partner with the Government and people of Guyana in the fight against COVID 19. We have donated 355,000 vaccine doses and provided technical assistance for strategic messaging campaigns to encourage preventative habits and overcome vaccine hesitancy. Thanks to our excellent partnership with the Ministry of Health, we also helped develop 19 public service announcements that reached 700,000 people across Guyana. In addition, he Centers for Disease Control provided $475,000 USD to strengthen port health surveillance, procure laboratory reagents for COVID-19 testing, and develop communications for the hinterland regions. We also provided ten tents valued at over $61,000 USD to aid in community vaccination initiatives of the Ministry of Health and contributed over $250,000 USD in disinfectant, medical supplies, and equipment, including five ultra-low refrigeration units critical to preserving the Pfizer vaccine doses. And, most recently the US Embassy handed over three Oxygen Generators to the Ministry of Health valued at nearly $500,000 USD which will be used to improve access to oxygen to patients in the hinterland regions.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how vulnerable our medical systems can be including our own back home in the United States. And, it has shown thate are all in this together. The pandemic has also demonstrated to us Guyana’s resilience, and how determined your dedicated medical professionals are to delivering quality services.
So, I’m honored to be here today to present to you, not only this critical equipment, but the goodwill and respect of the United States Government and its people. I am humbled everyday by our people-to-people partnerships and the strong collaborative work we are doing whether through working with the Ministry of Health, hospitals, non-government organizations or with the private sector.
The equipment here, as well as the many items that have already been distributed to smaller clinics in the region, will allow the Linden Hospital to focus on delivering day-to-day care to patients locally in Linden and throughout Region 10. The items include adjustable hospital beds, patient care kits and diagnostic equipment such as blood pressure cuffs. We are thrilled that these items will augment equipment available at hospitals and in the places ’they are needed most which is essential to the healthcare sector in Guyana. This donation is valued at $33,000 USD and is provided through the Department of Defense’s Humanitarian Assistance Program. It is coordinated by our U.S. Embassy Cross Functional Team and will undoubtedly ensure the safeguarding of lives and enhance the ability to treat and care for all patients. Additionally, this donation will lay the groundwork for future collaboration and promote health and prosperity for all.
As Guyana works to make major advancements to its healthcare system and medical infrastructure in the near-term, the United States Government is committed to the continued support of the people of Guyana and to our incredibly strong partnership.
Thank You.
