Guyana’s govt commended for efforts to curb COVID-19

United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) area representative to Guyana and Suriname, Nicholas Pron has commended the government’s efforts to minimise the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana.

Pron on Friday made the remark during a simple ceremony, where 420 vaccine carriers were donated to the Health Ministry.

“The pandemic is under control, thanks to the wonderful efforts deployed by the Health Ministry and the government. But it is still there, still very much with us and we cannot be complacent. We cannot let our guards down and it is essential to reach everyone, especially in the most remote parts of the country,” he said.

Pron stressed the importance of ensuring every person is vaccinated and noted that UNICEF is committed to strengthening its partnership with Guyana and making collaborative efforts to overcome vaccine hesitancy.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, expressed thanks to UNICEF and declared the importance of the vaccine carriers in strengthening the cold chain.

“These containers are a very important component of the cold chain. If we don’t keep the vaccines at a certain temperature, those vaccines would be spoiled. We wouldn’t be able to use them. So, it is absolutely necessary for us to keep it at the appropriate temperature, and depending on which vaccine we are working with, the temperature varies,” the minister said.

Dr. Anthony also commended the organisation’s generosity, noting that it plays a pivotal role in the fight against COVID-19.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Deputy Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Irfan Akhtar, and Maternal and Child Health Officer of the Health Ministry, Dr Oneka Scott were also in attendance.