Brazil donates 150 bottles of human haemoglobin to Grenada

Grenada’s Ministry of Health has received 150 bottles of human haemoglobin (immunoglobulins) from the government and people of Brazil.

The gesture has been described as “significant” by health authorities.

Haemoglobin is red protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood of vertebrates.

Pauline Peters, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, thanked the resident Brazilian ambassador Zenik Krawctschuk for the “act of kindness shown to Grenada by his government and people.”

Peters said she is certain that the donation would be of great benefit to Grenadians.

She added that such a “human gesture” deepens the relationship between the both countries.

Krawctschuk told those present that while the medicine is intended to treat Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), the gesture falls within the two countries technical cooperation agreement.

‘Priceless’

And he revealed that his country has already commenced two major global projects: the technical training for a Rational and Sustainable Use of Water project, and the Human Milk Banks Programme – and he added that he hopes Grenadians can benefit from them.

When one considers the debilitating effects of GBS on humans such a donation is priceless, said chief medical officer, Dr. George Mitchell.

He reassured those present that the medicine would be put to good use.

At the peak of the Zika viral outbreak in Grenada last year, more than five people contracted GBS, a secondary disease associated with Zika.