22 Community Health Workers Graduate in Region Seven

The Ministry of Health has graduated the third batch of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

A total of 22 Community Health Workers completed the six-month training programme under the Ministry’s Health Sciences Division Decentralised Training Programme. The graduates represent several communities across the region, including Cashew Island, Upper Mazaruni, and Middle Mazaruni.

The graduation ceremony, held at the Bartica Centre Ground, was attended by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, and Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, along with residents, regional officials, and other stakeholders.

In his feature address, Minister Anthony highlighted the importance of training individuals within their own communities to promote sustainable healthcare delivery.

“We decided to work with communities to identify and train local people who will return home to serve their own areas. This approach has proven far more effective,” he stated.

The Minister explained that the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s broader goal to ensure that every health facility in Guyana is staffed with at least one or two trained Community Health Workers. He also encouraged the graduates to see the achievement as the start of a lifelong career in healthcare.

“Don’t see this as the end of the road,” he urged.

“We want to provide opportunities for you to advance, from Community Health Worker to Nursing Assistant, Registered Nurse, and even into specialised areas such as Midwifery and Medical Extension (Medex).”

Dr. Anthony also noted that the Ministry continues to expand training opportunities through hybrid and online learning models, allowing health workers in remote areas to pursue further education while serving their communities.

Among those in attendance were Bartica Mayor Anthony Murray, Regional Health Officer Dr. Edward Sagala, and Senior Operations Manager Mr. Michael Gouveia, along with other regional officials.