PAHO: CATALYST FOR HEALTH IN THE AMERICAS
120 years of history
PAHO was the first multilateral health agency. Established in 1902, its founding objective was to respond to disease threats associated with increasing trade among countries in the Americas.
Preferred partner
PAHO’s position as a respected technical authority, along with its strong, long-standing relationships with Ministries of Health, makes it a highly valued partner in the Region.
Honest broker for health
We strive to build consensus around issues that are common to countries in the Region to prioritize health in a politically heterogenous and epidemiologically complex context.
Technical excellence
World-class technical expertise, data aggregation, and analytical capacity make PAHO a highly respected technical authority and information source for countries and partners.
Country focus
With the most extensive country presence of any WHO Region, we are committed to country-centered technical cooperation, tailored to unique needs and contexts.
Effective implementation
PAHO has an impressive track record of successes in disease elimination, healthcare coverage and emergency response that demonstrate its capacity to implement efficiently and effectively.
120 years of history
PAHO was the first multilateral health agency. Established in 1902, its founding objective was to respond to disease threats associated with increasing trade among countries in the Americas.
Technical excellence
World-class technical expertise, data aggregation, and analytical capacity make PAHO a highly respected technical authority and information source for countries and partners.
Preferred partner
PAHO’s position as a respected technical authority, along with its strong, long-standing relationships with Ministries of Health, makes it a highly valued partner in the Region.
Country focus
With the most extensive country presence of any WHO Region, we are committed to country-centered technical cooperation, tailored to unique needs and contexts.
Honest broker for health
We strive to build consensus around issues that are common to countries in the Region to prioritize health in a politically heterogenous and epidemiologically complex context.
Effective implementation
PAHO has an impressive track record of successes in disease elimination, healthcare coverage and emergency response that demonstrate its capacity to implement efficiently and effectively.
Message from the PAHO/WHO Representative in Guyana
I am pleased to present the 2024 highlights and achievements from the PAHO/WHO Guyana country office.
In 2024, PAHO proudly supported the minister of health in making significant strides in tackling communicable and noncommunicable diseases, improving mental health services, strengthening maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health, advancing health system resilience, and responding effectively to emergencies.
The lessons learned from COVID-19 have allowed us to shift our focus toward long-term resilience. The pandemic underscored deepseated vulnerabilities in health systems, revealed inequalities, and amplified the need for digital and community-centered innovations. Considering these, PAHO/WHO and partners supported the minister of health to build stronger, more adaptive health systems across Guyana. These achievements are a testament to the impact of sustained investment Guyana is making in health..
These contributions enable critical capacity-building, workforce development, community outreach, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions.
PAHO/WHO is looking forward to continued collaboration with the government of Guyana and partners to build strong and resilient health systems, improve health equity and health outcomes for the people of Guyana.
Dr. Kim Eva Dickson
PAHO/WHO Representative in Guyana
Highlights in 2024
MARCH
APRIL
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
DECEMBER
STRENGTHENING PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS
Approval of, and USD 15.6 million Pandemic Fund grant for, the National Action Plan for Health Security.
ACCELERATING DISEASE ELIMINATION
Mass drug administration campaign to eliminate lymphatic filariasis.
STRENGTHENING NEONATAL, ADOLESCENT, AND MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES
Training of 40 health workers in zero maternal deaths from hemorrhage and 40 traditional birth attendants to improve maternal care.
ADVANCING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
Launch of National Mental Health Action Plan and of National Suicide Prevention Plan.
SUPPORTING HEALTH SYSTEM TRANSFORMATION
Launch of a hybrid nursing program, with 1800 students enrolled.
Achievements in Guyana
Supporting health system transformation
Guyana faces critical shortages in its health workforce, with doctor and nurse ratios far below regional standards. To address this, PAHO supported the launch of a hybrid nursing program in 2023, enrolling 1800 students by the end of 2024. Broader reforms included a national stakeholder consultation that led to a two-year road map to strengthen health service networks and improve coordination, access, and efficiency. PAHO also supported improvements in quality assurance, including 58 standard operating procedures for the National Blood Transfusion Service and enhanced oversight of organ transplantation through the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency. An electronic records system was developed for Georgetown Public Hospital, with plans for national rollout. These initiatives, including support for governance, primary care, human resources, and digital health, are key steps toward building an integrated, high-quality, and equitable healthcare system.
Strengthening neonatal, adolescent, and maternal health services
Guyana made notable strides in strengthening community-level health services with support from PAHO. Achievements included training 40 participants in zero maternal deaths from hemorrhage, and 40 traditional birth attendants to improve maternal care. The maternal health volunteer manual was updated, and a national maternal mortality review was conducted. The Perinatal Information System was implemented in facilities linked to the Ministry of Health's server, and 35 health workers were trained to operate it.
Health promotion sessions reached 29 school health clubs, and 250 students and teachers received training in sexual, reproductive, and mental health. A road map for safe adolescent delivery was launched, and a stakeholder consultation led to the development of a two-year strategic plan to improve equitable, high-quality care across the health system.
The country launched its National Mental Health Action Plan and its National Suicide Prevention Plan.
Advancing mental health and suicide prevention
Guyana is addressing the pressing public health issue of suicide through comprehensive action in mental health, with support from PAHO. The country launched its National Mental Health Action Plan and its National Suicide Prevention Plan. To strengthen capacities, Guyana introduced a mental health services management course via PAHO’s Virtual Campus for Public Health. Protocols were developed and workers trained to support the introduction of a national suicide prevention hotline. Specialized workshops for media personnel were conducted to foster responsible reporting practices. Additionally, peer helpers were incorporated into school health clubs to promote psychosocial well-being and provide support for young people. These initiatives underline Guyana’s commitment to reducing suicide rates, fostering mental well-being, and equipping communities with sustainable strategies to combat stigma.
Accelerating disease elimination
Guyana’s achievements include the successful completion of a mass drug administration campaign
as part of efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by 2027. Supported by PAHO, this campaign involved about 800 field workers. PAHO reinforced its commitment to disease elimination in Guyana by implementing targeted technical cooperation and strategic investments. Broader efforts focused on eliminating diseases such as malaria, leprosy, and vaccine-preventable diseases, alongside preventing their resurgence. PAHO’s support included convening Guyana’s Diseases Elimination Committee, rolling out an integrated service delivery model, developing strategic plans, conducting subnational field assessments, and facilitating access to life-saving commodities. Efforts to build capacity in surveillance and laboratory operations, resource mobilization, and the development of case management guidelines were pivotal in sustaining progress. These efforts highlight PAHO’s dedication to strengthening Guyana’s health system toward disease elimination.
Strengthening pandemic preparedness
Guyana strengthened its pandemic preparedness with completion of the National Action Plan for Health Security and approval of USD 15.6 million in grant funding from the Pandemic Fund. The proposal was underpinned by the One Health project developed by PAHO and funded by a World Bank loan. The project will strengthen pandemic prevention and preparedness through multifaceted initiatives, and has supported the completion of the Joint External Evaluation of International Health Regulations competencies. PAHO also aided in updating Guyana’s Health Multi-Hazard Emergency Management Plan, enhancing health emergency structures and strengthening multisectoral coordination mechanisms. Capacity-building for surveillance and laboratory systems for respiratory viruses was completed, with seasonal influenza vaccinations set to roll out by September 2025. These efforts, combined with additional World Bank investments, aim to foster national resilience against health emergencies and pandemic threats.
Stories from the field
Empowering young people: how school health clubs are transforming lives
In Guyana’s remote hinterland, a quiet transformation is taking root. School health clubs, supported by PAHO and the Ministry of Health, are turning students into health champions. At four secondary schools, young people now lead discussions on mental health, nutrition, and sexuality. Fourteen-year-old Hughson Gones believes the club is crucial for his village. “It will help other children learn more about health,” he says.
Sixteen-year-old Terika Williams shares how the training changed her life. “I’ve learned about self-esteem and managing stress. I want to teach others,” she says. With support from Canada, these clubs use hands-on, culturally sensitive lessons. What began as a health initiative is now a youth-led movement, building stronger, healthier communities from within.
A new recipe for wellness: women finding strength in mental health and nutrition
On a warm October morning in Bartica, women from all walks of life – single mothers, survivors of violence, and migrants – gathered not just to learn, but to heal. The Mental Health and Wellness Workshop, held in October, became a safe haven. Organized by Project New Nation’s SheShines Foundation, PAHO, and the Ministry of Health, it offered tools for mental wellness, stress management, and nutrition. The women blended smoothies, shared stories, and rediscovered strength.
“For me, the best part was connecting with other women,” one participant shared. “I’ve learned to listen with empathy and lead with compassion,” said Nikita Jones.
More than training, it was transformation. Each woman left with knowledge, support, and the powerful belief that she deserves to shine.
Our partners
- Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Canada. Canada continued its support to improve the health of women and adolescent girls in vulnerable situations and to increase equitable access and vaccination coverage against COVID-19.
- Ending Neglected Diseases Fund. The fund was instrumental in working toward lymphatic filariasis elimination, being a major contributor to the 2024 mass drug administration campaign to eliminate lymphatic filariasis.
- European Commission. The European Commission provided funding for health systems strengthening for the universal health coverage partnership program, and for assisting Guyana to strengthen its climate-resilient health systems.
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. UNAIDS provided support to advancing HIV/AIDS research in the country.
- Resolve to Save Lives. The organization provided funding for the Better Care for NCDs and HEARTS initiatives.
- Ribeirão Preto School of Nursing, Brazil. In collaboration with PAHO, the school partnered with the Ministry of Health to revise its national professional nursing program curriculum.
- UNICEF. COVID-19 vaccine delivery support through the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access facility early access application was continued with the support of UNICEF.
- US Agency for International Development. The agency played a major role in the successful execution of the 2024 mass drug administration campaign to eliminate lymphatic filariasis, and supported efforts to eliminate malaria.
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency partnered to build capacity and networks to address emerging infectious diseases in Guyana, and to improve the country’s surveillance and response to seasonal and pandemic influenza.
- World Bank. Through a loan from the World Bank, the Ministry collaborated with PAHO to implement the country’s first One Health project, one of PAHO-Guyana’s largest country-level resource mobilization efforts.
Thinking regionally,
acting locally
2024 Country Annual Reports
of the Pan American Health Organization