The Ministry of Health yesterday received a donation of supplies worth US$100,000 from the Chinese Medical Brigade.
Handed over at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) the supplies will be distributed to the GPHC, the Linden Hospital Complex and the New Amsterdam Hospital to offer specialised care in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for Cervical Cancer screening, according to a release from the Ministry of Health.
Among the items donated were an Electronic Colposcope Set, HPV Testing Kits, Plate Sealers, Absorbent Papers, Vortex mixers, an HPV test system along with an HPV collection medium and specimens rock.
In his brief remarks, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony underlined that cervical cancer can be prevented by using the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, and the Ministry will aggressively roll out this programme this year. Additionally, all regional hospitals will be equipped to screen for cervical cancer, Anthony said.
“The next most prevalent cancer is cervical cancer, and we have in our hands the means of eliminating it from Guyana by using the HPV vaccine. Unfortunately, our coverage for HPV vaccination is relatively low. Therefore, one of our priorities is to implement an aggressive programme to ensure widespread access to HPV vaccination at every health centre. This donation will enable us, for the first time, to introduce HPV testing in the public sector, and we will ensure that HPV testing is available across the country”, the minister said.
In attendance were, Guo Haiyan, Ambassador People’s Republic of China to Guyana; Dr Zhao Changyong Head of the 19th Chinese Medical Brigade; Dr Guy Low and other health officials
