The Ministry of Health has received a substantial batch of medical equipment under the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented in partnership with Canada’s McMaster University and the charity Giving Help to Kids.
The handing-over ceremony was held at the Ministry’s Kingston Bond, Georgetown, where Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, officially accepted the equipment valued at CAD$183,000 (GUY$27.5 million). The donation includes critical items such as HbA1c analysers, hepatitis B test kits, haemoglobin analysers, portable steam sterilisers, and urine test strips, all aimed at strengthening maternal and newborn services in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
In his remarks, Minister Anthony highlighted the longstanding partnership between Guyana and Canada and the progress made in maternal and child health. “Just this week we had the close-out of another project supported by Canada in the area of mental health, and now we are here with this initiative that has been contributing tremendously to maternal and child health,” he said. “We have a number of exceptional partners in Canada, including Giving Help to Kids and McMaster University, who have worked with us for many years.”
Dr. Anthony also announced ongoing training opportunities through McMaster University. “Over the next few years, we intend to have at least 35 Guyanese doctors trained at McMaster. We also have strong partnerships with other Canadian institutions in Calgary and York, all helping us advance our health system,” he said. He emphasised that the new equipment will support early detection of complications, particularly diabetes in pregnancy, improve antenatal screening, and enhance the management of high-risk mothers.
The Minister noted that the donation will directly support the Ministry’s successful initiatives in remote regions, including maternal waiting homes, which have contributed to achieving zero maternal deaths in several hinterland regions. “This partnership continues to strengthen health systems, improve access, and save lives especially in remote hinterland communities,” he added, expressing appreciation to the Government of Canada, Giving Help to Kids, and McMaster University for their sustained collaboration.
Also attending the ceremony, Director of Primary Health Care, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, noted that the donation comes at a crucial time as the Ministry expands access and improves the quality of MNCH services in hinterland regions where geographic and cultural barriers pose unique challenges. “This donation is a major boost for our hinterland regions, where early testing and timely interventions can save lives. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that every mother and newborn receives the highest quality of care, and we are now seeing the results of these efforts,” she said.
Dr. Hamilton added that the equipment will help sustain the Ministry’s gains and ensure women, regardless of location or cultural barriers, receive the services they deserve. “We thank our partners for recognising the importance of mothers and children to the Government of Guyana,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of Giving Help to Kids, Senior Manager of Administration and Projects, Ms. Aruna Faria, highlighted the progress under the MNCH Project and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to Guyana. “Today’s donation, valued at CAD$183,000, is part of our shared commitment to reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths and strengthening clinical readiness across Guyana’s most remote areas,” she said.
Ms. Faria added that, for over a decade, Giving Help to Kids has worked with the Ministry to improve neonatal and paediatric care, train specialists, and expand critical services. “We are grateful to Global Affairs Canada, McMaster University, and the Ministry of Health for their strong partnership, and to our donors for believing in this mission. Together, we continue to give health and hope to the children of Guyana,” she said.
Meanwhile, Canadian High Commissioner Mr. Sébastien Sigouin reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to improving maternal, newborn, and child health globally and in Guyana. “MNCH has long been a priority for the Government of Canada because we have seen, all over the world, how investing in health is a gift that keeps on giving. By investing in MNCH, we are investing in the people and the future of Guyana,” he said. He also commended the Ministry of Health and frontline workers. “It is not about Canada; it is about you. You are the ones making a difference in a mother’s or a child’s life every day,” he added.
The MNCH Project (2023–2028) aims to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths through strengthened clinical readiness and referral systems, capacity building for health workers, gender-responsive and adolescent-friendly health services, community engagement, expanded outreach, and improved neonatal emergency care.
The donation included the following equipment:
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Urine Test Strips (URS 10-in-1) – 45 boxes
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Portable Pressure Steam Sterilisers (18L, YX-LM) – 20 units
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Hemocue 301 Hb Analysers – 20 units
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Hemocue Cuvettes – 45 boxes
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Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Rapid Test Kits – 45 boxes
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HbA1c Analysers – 10 units
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HbA1c Reagent Kits – 15 units
