Canada donates over $27M in equipment to boost newborn care in hinterland

The Health Ministry on Friday received a new batch of medical equipment under the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Project, a programme funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented in partnership with McMaster University and the Canadian charity, Giving Help to Kids.
The equipment was handed over during a ceremony at the Ministry’s Kingston, Georgetown Bond, where Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony formally accepted the donation.

Valued at CAD$183,000 (approximately G$27.5 million), the supplies include HbA1c analysers, hepatitis B test kits, haemoglobin analysers, portable steam sterilisers, and urine test strips. The items will be deployed to Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine to strengthen maternal and new-born health services.
In his remarks, Dr Anthony highlighted the longstanding cooperation between Guyana and Can-ada in the health sector, noting that recent collaborations have supported both mental health and maternal care initiatives.
“We have a number of exceptional partners in Canada, including Giving Help to Kids and McMaster University, who have worked with us for many years,” he said. He also announced that at least 35 Guyanese doctors are expected to receive training at McMaster University over the next few years, with additional support coming from institutions in Calgary and York.
Anthony said the new equipment will support early detection of pregnancy-related complica-tions, improve antenatal screening, and advance the care of high-risk mothers. He added that the contribution will further strengthen ongoing initiatives in remote communities, including maternal waiting homes that have helped several hinterland regions achieve zero maternal deaths.
Director of Primary Health Care, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton, said the donation arrives at a critical time as the Ministry continues efforts to expand MNCH services in hinterland regions, where geographical and cultural barriers often affect access to care.
“Early testing and timely interventions can save lives. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that every mother and newborn receives quality care, and we are now seeing the results of these efforts,” Dr Hamilton stated.
Representing Giving Help to Kids, Senior Manager of Administration and Projects, Aruna Faria, noted that the equipment forms part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. She said the charity has worked with the Ministry for more than a decade to improve neonatal and paediatric care and train specialist staff.
“We are grateful to Global Affairs Canada, McMaster University, and the Ministry of Health for their strong partnership. Together, we continue to give health and hope to the children of Guy-ana,” Faria said.
Canadian High Commissioner Sébastien Sigouin reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to improving maternal, newborn, and child health both globally and in Guyana. He commended frontline workers for their continued dedication.
“By investing in MNCH, we are investing in the people and the future of Guyana,” he stated.
The MNCH Project (2023–2028) aims to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths through improved clinical readiness, stronger referral systems, capacity building for health workers, gender-responsive services, community engagement, and better emergency care for newborns. The equipment donated was 45 boxes of Urine Test Strips (URS 10-in-1); 20 boxes of portable Pressure Steam Sterilisers (18L, YX-LM); 20 boxes of Hemocue 301 Hb Analysers; 45 boxes of Hemocue Cuvettes; 45 boxes of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Rapid Test Kits; 10 boxes of HbA1c Analysers; and 15 boxes of HbA1c Reagent Kits.