Canada donates 100 ECD kits to aid Govt’s School Health Programme

The Education Ministry has received 100 Early Childhood Development (ECD) kits from the Canadian Government to aid in the strengthening of the Comprehensive School Health Programme, which is currently being rolled out across the country.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony received the donation at a simple ceremony on Tuesday in the presence of Chargé d’affaires from the Canadian High Commission, Caroline Mireault; Head of Corporation in the Canada High Commission, Adam Loyer; Programme Associate from UNICEF, Danielle Chase; School Health Coordinator, Dr Farrah December among others.
The kits were funded as part of the Canadian High Commission’s Project, which promotes a safe and healthy learning and living environment to migrant and host communities in Guyana. This C$3 million project is being implemented by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Health facilities within Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are expected to benefit from these kits.
With the establishment of the Comprehensive School Health Programme, the Ministry aims to screen approximately 27,000 nursery children in public schools by the end of this year.
Dr Anthony further disclosed that the Ministry is working with the Canadian Government to roll out a programme that focuses on neonatal care at all regional hospitals.
Meanwhile, Deputy Representative for UNICEF, Irfan Akhtar stated that the ECD kits are fully equipped to provide good nutrition stimulation, responsive care and early learning, health, and a safe environment for children.
“The kits being handed over today contain materials to help healthcare workers create a safe learning environment in each health facility for up to 50 young children, newborns to six years of age. Each item was carefully selected to help develop skills for thinking, speaking, feeling, and interacting with others,” he stated.
Intended to improve the health of school children aged 5-17, this comprehensive programme will ensure that every child gets at least one checkup. This data will be entered into a chart and if there are any problems, it will allow the Ministry to address them at an early age to prevent any long-term health conditions.
The initiative currently targets children who are enrolled to commence Nursery Level One this year. Medical examination and screening are being conducted by healthcare workers of the Health Ministry at specific health centres in each region.
Each child will undergo a physical examination of their head, eyes, ears, face, legs and arms. Heartbeat and blood pressure readings will also be recorded. Should a child require further care and examination, a referral mechanism will be put in place by the healthcare workers administering care.