Health Ministry gets more protective gear to help tackle COVID-19
—PAHO hands over Personal Protective Equipment, other items
DPI, Guyana, Friday, March 20, 2020
The Ministry of Public Health, this morning received a quantity of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other items which will be used by public health staff and volunteers involved in the effort to stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The equipment will primarily be used by the staff of the Health Emergency Operations Centre which has been activated to strategically address the emergence of COVID-19 in Guyana.
Minister of Public Health, Hon. Volda Lawrence noted that the handover of these critical items serves as an assurance that Guyana is prepared to handle any eventualities in its fight to stop the spread of the virus.
“Here in Guyana, this means much to us because it helps us in our preparation and I think it also adds to the fact that when we speak to our people and we speak of having the necessary items in place like the protective gear that is provided here for our staff and volunteers to use in this fight.” She said.
The Minister thanked PAHO/WHO for its timely contribution.
Country Representative PAHO/WHO, Dr. William Adu-Krow said the donation of PPEs supports much of the work that has already been done in Guyana with regards to the issue at hand.
“We have done a lot; the country has done a lot in this fight to be where we are. Had it not been for the activities that have been in place, it would have been a worse situation… basically it is Personal Protective Equipment and other items that are needed and there are the goggles, the N95 masks, the surgical masks, the suits.”
It was noted that the PAHO/WHO’s office in Guyana has been playing a significant role in ensuring the requisite support is made available. Dr. Adu-Krow further committed that his technical agency will be with MoPH every step of the way in this fight against COVID-19.