GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, 6 August 2025 — During his official visit to Guyana from 21–23 July, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), met with national leaders, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to supporting Guyana’s health agenda.
Dr Barbosa praised the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, for his leadership in transforming the country’s health infrastructure. “Minister Anthony is leading a revolution in the health infrastructure in this country,” Dr. Barbosa stated. “His efforts to eliminate over 30 diseases, including malaria, TB, HIV, hepatitis B and C, and cervical cancer, are commendable.”
Dr. Barbosa also emphasized PAHO’s regional collaboration efforts, including an innovative alliance with the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank to strengthen primary health care.
“We are encouraging countries to use their existing loans to renovate facilities, train health workers, and improve connectivity,” he explained.
Mental health and suicide prevention were also highlighted as top priorities, with a focus on early detection and reducing stigma.
From left: Ms. Vaulda Quamina-Griffith, PAHO/WHO GUY CO Administrator, Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, PAHO/WHO Representative, Guyana, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director, Ms. Piedad Huerta, Head, Country and Subregional Coordination and Ms. Roxanne Bishop, PWR Executive Secretary with the PAHO/WHO Guyana CO Team
On 21 July, Dr. Barbosa held his first meeting with the PAHO/WHO Guyana CO team. Addressing the staff, he reflected on the organization's longstanding partnership with Guyana.
“PAHO has maintained a strong presence in Guyana since 1956, formalizing our partnership in 1967 to provide technical support aligned with national health priorities,” said Dr. Barbosa.
He commended the collaborative work of the 33-member team, comprising international staff, consultants, Ministry of Health and national officers, who work closely with the Ministry of Health.
A New Home for PAHO Guyana
During his visit, Dr. Barbosa inaugurated the new PAHO Guyana Country Office, expressing appreciation for the improved safety and working conditions.
“Now, I think that we have a very good place,” he said, thanking the staff for their resilience and dedication.
He toured the new facility and viewed an exhibition prepared by various units, showcasing their work with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders.
Tour of the Georgetown School of Nursing Simulation Centre
As part of his visit, Dr. Barbosa visited the Georgetown School of Nursing Simulation Centre, where he observed firsthand the innovative training methods being used to prepare the next generation of nurses. The simulation centre, equipped with modern tools and mannequins, allows students to practice clinical skills in a safe, controlled environment.
“This is an excellent example of how technology and education can come together to build a stronger health workforce,” Dr. Barbosa remarked. “Investing in nurse training is essential, especially in the face of health worker migration.”
High-Level Engagements
Dr. Barbosa met with the Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, to discuss national health priorities and ongoing improvements to the health system. A key topic was the impact of health worker migration and the need for innovative solutions. He also met with President Dr. Irfaan Ali during the Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit cocktail ceremony.
“We must leverage technology, such as PAHO’s hybrid nursing programs, to expand nurse training, especially in Caribbean countries facing similar challenges,” he noted.
Launching Key Health Initiatives
The Director of the Pan American Health Organization, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, together with Dr. Carla N. Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), together signed the PAHO/CARICOM 2025-2029 subregional cooperation strategy.
The Strategy will provide a coordinated framework for technical cooperation to address common public health challenges across the 15 CARICOM Member States.
Dr. Barbosa also participated in the launch of Guyana’s National Suicide Surveillance System, a community-driven, user-friendly tool aimed at enhancing suicide prevention efforts.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, he helped launch the HPV 9-valent vaccine, a significant step in strengthening Guyana’s immunization program and improving primary health care for both males and females.
Visit to Diamond Hospital
Concluding his visit, Dr. Barbosa toured the new Diamond Hospital, where he engaged with hospital staff and patients awaiting services. The visit underscored PAHO’s continued support for Guyana’s health sector development.
