$9M vaccine boats to boost maternal healthcare in remote communities

The Health Ministry on Friday received two specialised maternal health boats from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to enhance healthcare delivery in Guyana’s remote regions.
Valued at $9 million and funded by the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunisation (GAVI) through UNICEF, the boats were officially handed over during a ceremony at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard Wharf.

These vessels were meticulously designed over a two-year period to address the unique healthcare challenges of Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), with a particular focus on maternal health and immunisation needs in riverine and remote communities. The boats will serve numerous villages, including Kamwata, Parakeese, Karaburi, Santa Rosa, and Waramuri Islands in Region One, as well as Wipa, Sandhill, Kaibarupai, and Orinduk in Region Eight.
Equipped with solar-powered vaccine refrigerators, maternal transport cots, life jackets, retractable beds to transfer emergency patients, and 200HP engines, these boats represent a significant leap forward in addressing healthcare access.
The boats are expected to provide essential services, including emergency transportation for pregnant women and children, vaccine delivery, and general healthcare outreach to underserved areas.
During the handover ceremony, UNICEF Operations Manager, Abdul Saleh explained that the vessels are certified as safe for transport by the Maritime Authority, and are set to begin operations immediately.
“These vaccine boats are a testament to our commitment to the children and families of Guyana. It embodies our dedication to ensuring that every child in Guyana has equal access to vaccines and life-saving medical care, regardless of where they live or their socio-economic status,” Saleh said.
Receiving the boats, Director General of the Health Ministry and Member of Parliament, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo expressed gratitude to UNICEF for their partnership in addressing the healthcare needs of Guyana’s hinterland communities.
He added that the initiative underscores the power of partnerships in tackling healthcare inequities and highlights the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of location, have access to essential medical services.
“Our mandate has been clear to do whatever is necessary to bring healthcare in the hinterland on par with what is on the coast,” Dr Mahadeo said.
He noted that the Ministry has intensified its efforts to improve healthcare delivery in riverain communities by prioritising the training of medical professionals who serve these remote areas.