Adolescent Health Unit receives 180 care packages from the GRPA

– to support teenage mothers

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association, today, handed over 180 care packages to the Adolescent Health Unit of the Ministry of Health to support teenage mothers.

The packages were funded under Pillar Four of the Spotlight Initiative, which is a collaboration between the Government of Guyana, the European Union and the United Nations to bring an end to gender-based violence (GBV).

Ms. Arlene Chaturia, Executive Director of the GRPA, said the agency welcomes the packages.  

“We are very pleased to donate COVID-19 financial packages to teen mothers and we think this will go a long way in providing assistance to teen mothers, especially through COVID-19 which has seen an increase in GBV cases among our young girls and mothers.”

Ms. Cilandell Glen, Adolescent Health Coordinator expressed similar sentiments, noting that the Unit was grateful.  She said the packages came at an ideal time, as adolescent mothers may experience difficulties acquiring basic necessities for child birth.

She highlighted that the Adolescent Health Unit, through partnership with the Ministry of Education, usually distributes care packages to adolescent mothers, but they were not able to reach their target this year.

“This packages that you are giving us today, the 180 packages, will help us to reach a wider cross section of our adolescent mothers,” she said. The packages include baby wipes, disposable diapers, blankets, towels, baby soap and masks.