Georgetown: U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt has hailed the work of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Programme and Peace Corps volunteers as it joins the rest of the world in celebrating World Health Day 2014.
The Ambassador in a release said the U.S. Embassy is pleased to be able to work in partnership with the Government and people of Guyana to strengthen the delivery of health services throughout the country.
Working in partnership with the Health Ministry and a broad range of civil society organisations, U.S. Government agencies are supporting Guyana’s fight against HIV/AIDS as part of the PEPFAR, delivering medical supplies and services to remote communities through the Humanitarian Assistance Programme, and strengthening community-based health programmes through the work of the Peace Corps volunteers.
The combined efforts of the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Defence, and Peace Corps have formed a robust and enduring partnership in the health sector with the Government and people of Guyana.
Globally, health care is central to President Obama’s development agenda and is closely linked to other key priorities, including economic growth, food security, and climate change. The Obama administration is supporting efforts to create an AIDS-free generation, end preventable child and maternal deaths, and accelerate progress toward a world safe from infectious diseases.
“Our investments in health have helped boost economies, strengthen security, build the capacity of local supply and distribution chains, and enhance local health institutions,” the diplomat said.
Largest commitment
PEPFAR, which this year is celebrating 10 years of global efforts, is the largest commitment by any nation to combat a single disease internationally. PEPFAR investments to strengthen health systems also help alleviate suffering from other diseases across the global health spectrum.
“Over the past 10 years, our HIV/AIDS programmes have rapidly expanded access to antiretroviral therapy, and they now support 6.7 million people globally with quality life-saving drugs. A decade of PEPFAR support has significantly boosted the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Guyana. PEPFAR provides the people of Guyana support in the areas of prevention, care, treatment and health system strengthening, focusing strongly on improving access and use of services among key populations, while ensuring sustainability. PEPFAR provides testing, counseling, care, and support services to those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. It also supports technical training, in areas as diverse as adherence to quality standards, TB/HIV co-infection, nutrition, blood safety, supply management, surveillance, and laboratory systems and methods.
Beyond the Peace Corps’ work on HIV/AIDS education, many volunteers in Guyana work with health centres, local health non-governmental organisations, and schools in hinterland and coastal areas to promote preventive health practices that contribute to increased overall positive health outcomes. Such practices include promotion of exercise and healthy living, addressing childhood illnesses, building service provider capacity, preventing and mitigating non-communicable diseases, developing life skills, promoting youth sexual and reproductive health, and preventing substance use and abuse.
“The U.S. believes that a robust public health system with well-trained health workers able to fill critical public health roles provides the best foundation for meeting the challenges of both infectious and non-communicable diseases. By maintaining a strong focus on prevention, while taking advantage of advances in care and treatment, we will be able to work together to save more lives and reduce health care costs. The U.S. remains committed to working with all stakeholders to promote global health in Guyana and around the world,” he said.
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