Guyana: MoH receives Early Childhood Development Kits

Georgetown, Guyana: The Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, received one hundred (100) Early Childhood Development (ECD) Kits to aid in the strengthening of the Comprehensive School Health Programme which is currently being rolled out by the Ministry of Health across Guyana on the morning of August 15, 2023.

The handing-over ceremony was held at the Ministry of Health’s Boardroom, Brickdam, according to the update shared by the minitry.

The Kits were funded as part of the Canadian High Commission’s Project, which promotes a safe and healthy learning and living environment to migrant and host communities in Guyana. This CAD$3M project is being implemented by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

It further updated that Health facilities within regions one (Barima-Waini), two (Pomeroon-Supernaam), four (Demerara-Mahaica), seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are expected to benefit from these Kits.

During his remarks, Minister Anthony stated that with the establishment of the Comprehensive School Health Programme, the Ministry aims to screen approximately twenty-seven thousand (27,000) children in public schools by the end of this year.

He further disclosed that the Ministry is working with the Canadian Government to roll out a programme that focuses on neonatal care at all regional hospitals.

Meanwhile, Deputy Representative for UNICEF, Mr Irfan Akhtar, stated that the ECD kits are fully equipped to provide good nutrition stimulation, responsive care and early learning, health, and a safe environment for children.

“The kits being handed over today contain materials to help healthcare workers create a safe learning environment in each health facility for up to 50 young children, newborns to six years of age. Each item was carefully selected to help develop skills for thinking, speaking, feeling, and interacting with others”, he stated, the ministry reported.

Among those present at this morning’s simple handing over ceremony were Chargée Affairs, from Canadian High Commission, Caroline Mireault; Head of Corporation in the Canada High Commission, Adam Loyer; Programme Associate from UNICEF, Danielle Chase; Communication Officer, Crystal Stoll; School Health Coordinator, Dr Farrah December; Health Visitor, Eslyn Williams and Medex, Andrea Budburgh and other staff from the Ministry of Health.