Remarks as prepared
Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch
Handover Ceremony of USAID COVID-19 Tent
October 13, 2021
Honorable Minster of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony,
USAID Regional Director Mr. Clinton White,
Esteemed guests,
Members of the media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great pleasure I stand here today to mark the first public engagement under USAID’s vaccine assistance to Guyana through UNICEF. This program will support the equitable distribution of vaccines, provide public information on the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, and dispel myths and fears surrounding COVID-19 vaccination.
Through this partnership with the Ministry of Health, these ten tents will provide opportunities for rural communities to set up vaccine operations, while eliminating the need for patients to travel, and hopefully, eliminate some vaccine hesitancy. I’m very grateful to the Minister and his leadership to encourage every Guyanese to get vaccinated, and the Ministry’s willingness to go where the people are. The United States is a partner in this regard, since the very essence of our vaccine support in Guyana is to ensure that there is equitable and equal distribution of COVID-19 vaccine to every Guyanese. This methodology also ensures that vulnerable individuals such as those with disabilities and those with financial constraints and transportation limitations will not be deterred in receiving their COVID-19 vaccines.
I wish to highlight messaging that many have heard previously. COVID-19 vaccines can save your life and those of your loved ones, so please take the COVID-19 vaccine.
Thank you very much.