Giving Health to Kids Organisation
The Government of Guyana and the Giving Health to Kids Organization (GHTK) established a partnership more than 10 years ago to address the high neonatal mortality in Guyana. As a result, there has been a precipitous decrease in neonatal mortality at the Georgetown Hospital. However, there continues to be gaps in neonatal care in regional hospitals and the hinterland. His Excellency Dr. Irfan Ali and the Hon. Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony met with Dr. Narendra Singh (GHTK, President) and expressed full support to the principle that “every baby born in Guyana should have equal access to the highest level of neonatal care if required”
On a recent visit to Guyana, Dr. Singh, accompanied by Dr. Leif Nelin (Neonatologist), Dr. Anna Florinda-Chin (local Neonatologist), toured the New Amsterdam, West Demerara, Lethem and Bartica Hospitals. GHTK in partnership with the Government had previously established a level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at GPHC and Level 1 NICUs at Linden, New Amsterdam, West Demerara, Suddie and Bartica.
GHTK Team subsequently met with the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh, and the Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo. The discussions and agreements centered around establishing a sustainable Neonatal Network at all regional hospitals, including the hinterland to ensure the optimal health of all newborns. This would involve elevation of neonatal care to higher levels (Level 2/3) to support critically ill babies. The Government has committed to a large capital investment to secure vital neonatal equipment along with the training of healthcare providers to care for the most vulnerable of our population. GHTK will support the training of healthcare providers along with the establishment of the Neonatal Network and a Neonatal Transport Program.
The partnership between GHTK and the Government of Guyana is rapidly approaching sustainability through education and training. The charity has been successful in establishing a Master Degree in Pediatrics and a Diploma and Degree program in neonatal care in partnership with the University of Guyana. These programmes have graduated 22 pediatricians and 70 neonatal nurses to date. Under the leadership of Dr. Sara Singh (graduate of the program) and her team, GPHC has made great strides as it saves hundreds of babies every year that would have otherwise not survived.
In the last two years, the charity has further extended its reach beyond the shores of Guyana, through the Organization of American States to include Antigua. GHTK has successfully established an ongoing Neonatal Nursing Programme. To date through the partnership with the Ministry of Health and by extension the Government of Guyana the organization has assisted in reducing neonatal mortality by 50% over the last 10 years.