The Ministry of Health today officially launched the 2026 Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) Mission during an opening ceremony attended by health officials and representatives of the United States Government at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Kingston.
The mission, coordinated by United States Southern Command in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, will see U.S. and Guyanese medical professionals working side by side over the next two weeks to provide specialised medical services, strengthen local capacity, and enhance collaboration between the two countries.
The mission, which commences today, will continue until March 27, 2026. During this period, teams will focus on delivering high-quality medical, surgical, ophthalmological, and dental services while also supporting ongoing capacity-strengthening efforts within the health sector.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Health Frank Anthony expressed appreciation for the continued partnership and welcomed the visiting medical team.
Dr Anthony noted that this is the third LAMAT mission in Guyana, following successful engagements in 2023 and 2025. He emphasised that the collaboration has significantly benefited both local healthcare professionals and patients.
“The previous missions have been extremely successful. One of the most important things we learned was how seamlessly the visiting team worked with our local healthcare professionals. These exchanges allow our teams to learn new techniques, expand the scope of services we can provide, and build lasting professional relationships,” the Minister said.
Dr. Anthony also highlighted that the 2026 mission is the largest to date, with more healthcare professionals participating and services being delivered at multiple health facilities across the country.
The 89-member medical team will conduct procedures and provide care at several institutions including Linden Hospital Complex, Diamond Regional Hospital, West Demerara Regional Hospital, De Kinderen Regional Hospital, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, and the Cheddi Jagan Dental School.
Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Guyana, John Crippen, underscored the importance of the initiative as part of the United States’ broader commitment to strengthening regional health systems.
He explained that the LAMAT mission brings together medical professionals from the United States and partner countries to provide treatment to patients in need while also facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity building.
“This mission reflects the United States’ steadfast commitment to the people of Guyana. Over the next two weeks, our teams will work alongside Guyanese counterparts to deliver medical, surgical, ophthalmological, and dental services, while sharing expertise and strengthening partnerships,” Crippen said.
Commander of the LAMAT Mission, Theodore Liszeski of the United States Air Force, emphasised that the initiative is grounded in collaboration and partnership.
“This mission is about working side by side, sharing knowledge, and strengthening readiness through partnership. By building strong professional relationships today, we ensure that when future challenges arise, whether natural disasters or public health emergencies, we are prepared to respond together as trusted partners,” he stated.
The LAMAT mission forms part of broader health cooperation between Guyana and the United States, which has spanned decades and includes collaboration through initiatives such as the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing technical partnerships with U.S. medical institutions.
Over the course of the mission, visiting and local healthcare professionals will also participate in clinical exchanges and training activities aimed at strengthening Guyana’s healthcare system and improving patient outcomes.
The Ministry of Health expressed confidence that the 2026 LAMAT Mission will further strengthen the longstanding partnership between Guyana and the United States while expanding access to specialised care for citizens across the country.
