US Aid donate tents worth GY$1.3 million to help Guyana in fighting COVID

The government of the United States of America, in collaboration with UNICEF Guyana and Suriname, donated ten tents to Guyana's National COVID-19 Response.

The fully branded (20X20) tents were valued at some G.Y. $13 Million and handed over to the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, at his Brickdam office.

Present at the handing over ceremony were United States Ambassador to Guyana H. E Sarah-Ann Lynch; Regional Representative attached to the United States Embassy Mike Clinton White; UNICEF Representative Mr Nicholas Pron and Director of Family and Primary Health Care Services of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Dr Ertensia Hamilton.

U.S. Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, during her remarks, said the donation marks the first public engagement under USAID Vaccine Assistance to Guyana through UNICEF. She explained that the programme would support the equitable distribution of vaccines, provide general information on the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccination and dispel myths, fears and surrounding COVID-19 vaccines.

"Through this partnership with the MOH, these ten tents will provide opportunities for rural communities to set up vaccine operations will eliminating the need for patients to travel, and hopefully eliminate some vaccine hesitancy", Ambassador Lynch said.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Representative Nicolas Pron said his Organisation is pleased to collaborate with the MOH and the USAID to combat COVID-19 in Guyana.

"UNICEF is committed to continuing our support to Guyana and go the extra mile to ensure a resilient recovery, keeping in mind that no one is safe until everyone is safe", Mr Pron said.

He further disclosed that UNICEF is committed to supporting the MOH in risk communication, rapid assessments and community engagement.

During his brief remarks, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony extended his appreciation to the Government of the United States of American and UNICEF for their partnership and support in Guyana's COVID-19 response.

Dr Anthony said the tents would be used to provide comfortable accommodation for persons visiting the COVID-19 vaccination sites across the regions.

In closing, the Minister reminded the public of the importance of being vaccinated to flatten the COVID-19 curve.

"Like Pfizer, the MOH is anticipating a favourable response from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its approval of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages five to eleven in the coming weeks," said Minister.