The Ministry of Health (MOH), in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), recently held a two-day National Workshop on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at the Ministry of Health’s boardroom, Brickdam, Georgetown.
According to PAHO, AMR represents a major global threat across human, animal, plant food and environmental sectors, threatening the effective treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi, resulting in prolonged illness and increased mortality, often felt hardest by the most vulnerable populations. “AMR also endangers the sustainability of agri-food systems and food safety.”
The regional organisation, on its website noted: “Since 2010 there is a strong commitment from FAO, WOAH and PAHO to fight AMR, working together to mitigate the risks in the interconnection among the human health, animal health and the environment. In this context, the organizations now joined forces in the implementation of the project ‘Working Together to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance’ to ensure a coherent ‘One Health’ approach recognising the multidimensionality and necessity of an intersectoral response that is needed to address the problem of AMR.”
Speaking at the Opening Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, emphasised the importance of creating this strategy, noting that AMR significantly impacts the delivery of healthcare services.
He also highlighted that to develop a comprehensive healthcare system, it is essential to look beyond immediate priorities.
“If we are going to develop a public healthcare system that is truly comprehensive, then we can’t just focus on priorities; we must also consider other factors that affect how we deliver care.”
Present at the workshop were Nathalie El Omeiri, Advisor for AMR National Action Plans, PAHO/WHO; Mr Daniel Albrecht, PAHO/WHO Representative a.i. in Guyana; Marcelo Galas, Specialist in AMR Surveillance; Dr Narine Singh, Chief Medical Officer; Dr Shazeema Shaw, AMR Focal Point, along with other consultants, directors, and Regional Health Officers (RHOs) within the Ministry of Health and PAHO/WHO.
