CDC, NGOs strengthening networking and partnerships in COVID-19 fight

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, April 22, 2020

The Civil Defence Commission through the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) engaged several non-governmental organisations and international agencies to beef up networking, and partnerships in the fight against COVID-19

These agencies include National Emergency Operations Centre, Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), Rotary District, Food for The Poor Guyana, (FFPG), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), International Development Bank (IDB), United Nations (UN), United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and several others.

During the virtual meeting today, it was disclosed that UNHCR has procured and is shipping 48 pre-assembled tents to Guyana to be used as additional quarantine facilities.

CDC Director-General and head of the NEOC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, noted that persons have been identified to undergo training to set up these facilities.

Meanwhile, IOM indicated its intent to assist approximately 400 migrants in several coastal areas. The organisation in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health has been investigating the needs at formal and informal borders and what can be supported.

IOM is also providing translation support to the Public health Ministry.

The CDC through the NEOC has been coordinating efforts to mitigate the effects of the virus’ presence in Guyana.

The NEOC was activated on Monday, March 31, 2020, and aims to ensure the highest level of collaboration among all stakeholders to further prevent the spread of the disease; enhance preparation and strengthen the local response to this global pandemic.