The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics has partnered with the Public Health Ministry to
From left: Dr Kavita Singh Coordinator of Chronic Disease; Dr Karen Boyle Deputy Chief Medical Officer; Dr Carl Niamatali; Professor Chittaranjan Narahari Purandare; Public Minister Health Dr, George Norton; Sarah Daniels, senior Medex; and Dr Ertenisa Hamilton, Director (ag) of Maternal Child Health Programme
strengthen the cervical cancer prevention programme locally.
Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton on Thursday met with FIGO President Professor Chittaranjan Narahari Purandare to discuss details of the collaboration.
FIGO is an organisation that brings together professional societies of obstetricians and gynaecologists on a global basis.
For over 60 years, this organisation has been collaborating with the world’s top health and donor bodies in developing countries and strengthening capacity through education and specialised training on various women’s health issues.
The FIGO actively collaborates with global, national and regional organisations to promote the wellbeing of women and to raise the standards of practice in obstetrics and gynaecology, such as oncology, perinatal health, and safe motherhood.
During the meeting, Professor Purandare assured the Minister that he will avail his organisations’ resources to enhance Guyana’s public healthcare system.
In return, Minister Norton expressed gratitude to Professor Purandare for his interest in wanting to collaborate with Guyana. He noted that he is looking forward to future collaborations with FIGO to advance the health of Guyanese women, particularly in reducing maternal mortality and cervical cancer.
The Public Health Ministry has sought assistance in improving existing protocols to screen women for cervical cancer and family planning policies particularly anti-contraceptives such as IUDs and injectables.
The Ministry and FIGO are also hoping to collaborate with the Pan American Health Organisation and the World Health Organisation in developing a National Plan to reduce cervical cancer in Guyana.
The Ministry currently offers free Visual Inspection using Acetic Acid screening for cervical cancer and cryogenic treatment for persons who are detected with cancerous legions. The Ministry also has a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination programme for all girls between the ages of 11 and13.
