Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, Assistant Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), will visit Guyana from 18 to 26 April 2026 to participate in several major health events. Her engagements include the 70th Annual Health Research Conference at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, organized by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Ministry of Health of Guyana. During this important event, she will deliver remarks under the theme “Innovation in Health”. She will emphasize how cutting-edge public health innovations—from AI-powered epidemic prediction tools to smart vaccines—are transforming disease prevention, diagnosis, and community care across the Caribbean.
Dr. Sealey-Thomas will hold a courtesy meeting with Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health in Guyana, and participate in the 52nd Ordinary Meeting of the South American Commission for the Fight Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (COSALFA) at the Pegasus Corporate Suites. During this meeting, delegates will launch the Fourth Action Plan (2026–2030) of the Hemispheric Foot-and-Mouth Disease Eradication Program and review progress achieved during the 2021–2025 cycle, reinforcing regional cooperation in animal health and disease prevention.
In addition, Dr. Sealey-Thomas will visit several PAHO-supported Ministry of Health initiatives, including Eccles Health Center to observe NCDs HEARTS in the Americas, a regional initiative to improve cardiovascular health through standardized hypertension management as part of the Better Care for Non-Communicable Disease Initiative, and Cervical Cancer screening efforts. She will also observe the implementation of the Rehabilitation Basic Package of Interventions. She will also tour the Diamond Hospital to see the new regional hospital facilities and cervical cancer training sites, highlighting Guyana’s commitment to expanding quality health care for all.
On 25 April, Dr. Sealey-Thomas will provide remarks at the launch of Vaccination Week in the Americas at the Umana Yana under the theme “Your decision makes a difference: prevention is protection, vaccinate now.” Her participation underscores PAHO’s commitment to advancing Caribbean health research, supporting regional animal health programs, and promoting vaccination awareness.
This visit highlights Guyana’s growing role as a hub for regional health dialogue and action, reinforcing the country’s leadership in strengthening public health across the Americas.
