Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Perry Holloway on USAID/Breakthrough ACTION Malaria Project- Insights Validation Workshop
I’m pleased to be here this morning, to reconfirm the U.S. Government’s ongoing commitment to improve the prevention and control of malaria. And I’m pleased to see the wide range of partners and stakeholders in the room as prevention and elimination can only be achieved through strong collaboration. I applaud your dedication to partnership in developing a joint response.
The U.S. Government has provided long-standing support to the region, helping partner countries like Guyana adapt malaria prevention and response interventions to local contexts. Working with our local stakeholders, we continue to focus on key needs, taking your strategic priorities and strengths into account, to make the best use of limited resources.
Here in Guyana, the Breakthrough ACTION team is partnering with the Ministry of Health – and many of you in this room – to design programs to expand access to testing and treatment for malaria among miners and the surrounding communities, identify the drivers of malaria transmission, and develop action plans to stop it. We are also supporting PAHO, the Pan American Health Organization, to conduct therapeutic efficacy studies and provide other malaria prevention and treatment technical assistance.
With a 58% reduction in cases from 2000 to 2015, Guyana has made excellent progress in reducing malaria. The partnership between the Ministry of Public Health, the U.S. Embassy and our USAID team, PAHO, and the Global Fund to Guyana’s commitment to fighting malaria.
The U.S. Government is proud to partner in this workshop that will expand our shared understanding of experiences from those most affected by this disease. The intention is that with technical and medical experts, and most importantly the participation and collaboration of the communities affected by malaria, we can create solutions to barriers that weaken malaria prevention efforts and delay testing and treatment. Together, we can help to develop tailored solutions to improve prevention and elimination responses here in Guyana.
In closing, let me again commend all in this room for your partnership and collaboration with each other in this important work. I wish you continued success in all of your efforts.
Thank you.
