PAHO/WHO supports COVID-19 fight with donation to MoPH
−Face masks, gloves, 9 computers among donation
DPI, Guyana, Monday, July 13, 2020
The Pan American Health Organisation /World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) office in Guyana has once again contributed to the Ministry of Public Health’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19.
The donated items were formally handed over on Monday by PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow.
In his remarks Dr. Adu-Krow noted since the presence of COVID-19 was confirmed in Guyana, the PAHO/WHO office here has been coordinating on many fronts to ensure the country is well equipped to counter and mitigate the presence and effects of COVID-19.
He disclosed that the major recipient of the donation will be the Ministry’s Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) which has been activated to deal with the onset of COVID-19.
“There was a request for nine computers with the uninterrupted power supply… On behalf of PAHO/WHO I would like to present this to you as a token of the continued work that we do together,” Dr. Adu-Krow stated.
Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence who received the items on the ministry’s behalf, noted that the computers will “enhance our surveillance unit and also our health emergency committee.”
It was also highlighted that the donated computer will also boost data collection at the HEOC as continuously devise new strategies to tackle COVID-19.
In addition to the computers, 1,250 boxes of surgical gowns, 2,500 boxes of gloves (all sizes), 1,250 boxes of surgical masks, 50 boxes of N95, 50 boxes (2 each) of safety goggles and 20 boxes of biosafety bags were also handed over.
These items will be provided to frontline health care workers, allowing them to conduct their jobs more effectively.
Permanent Secretary for the Public Health Ministry, Colette Adams explained that the Ministry has “no budget, we are using one-twelfth of the last budget (every month) so this particular donation will have a great impact to the services.”
During the pandemic, PAHO/WHO has been supporting the Ministry of Public Health through several donations ranging from testing kits to protective gear for frontline workers.