Guyana backs UNICEF push for stronger child mental health, protection 

Guyana has given its support to UNICEF’s proposed regional focus on children’s mental health, malnutrition, learning, and protection, with Guyana’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Trishala Persaud highlighting the importance of strengthening psychosocial support and mental health services for children.
Persaud expressed the strong backing during the Second Session of the Executive Board of UNICEF, under Agenda Item 4(a): Country Programme Documents, on Wednesday.
She commenced her presentation by thanking UNICEF for the comprehensive Multi-Country Programme Document 2027–2031 and for its continued support and close collaboration with Guyana. She welcomed the strategic shift from project-based implementation to evidence-based solutions, which she said must be grounded in reliable data.
UNICEF’s new Caribbean Multi-Country Programme Document (MCPD) 2027–2031 focuses heavily on equitable access to education and healthcare, particularly for hinterland communities, while also placing emphasis on early childhood development.
“We welcome the strategic shift in approach from project-based implementation to evidence-based solutions, which must be based on reliable data. The programme document reflects many of the realities the Caribbean faces. The region’s high exposure to climate-related shocks and socio-economic pressures underscores the urgency of the priorities outlined and the importance of continued partnership with UNICEF.” Persaud said while adding that “emphasis on strengthening data systems and regional cooperation through CARICOM and the OECS will aid in ensuring that investments reach disproportionately affected children.”
In highlighting Guyana’s efforts to address child poverty, Persaud explained that the country’s investments in education, health and social protection are yielding positive results for children.
“Guyana supports the MCPD’s three programmatic outcomes, which align closely with our national priorities. Child poverty reduction is a priority for Guyana, reflected in strong investment by the Government across key sectors, including education, health and social protection.”
Persaud said sustained and targeted efforts were yielding positive results for children across Guyana. She noted that the MCPD’s focus on mental health, malnutrition and learning bolstered several of Guyana’s national initiatives, including the expanded school feeding programme, strengthened maternal and child health services, and advances in early childhood development through parenting programmes.
She further explained that integrating mental health and psychosocial support into primary healthcare would complement Guyana’s efforts to expand school-based counselling and community mental health outreach.
“The emphasis on integrating mental health and psychosocial support into primary healthcare is also timely and will complement Guyana’s efforts to expand school-based counselling and community mental health outreach. The MCPD’s emphasis on protecting children from violence is critical, in particular, the digitally enabled child protection systems, survivor-centred services and scholastic violence prevention. UNICEF’s support for child-centred disaster risk reduction will directly enhance our ability to strengthen protections for children, including those in hinterland and Indigenous communities and those affected by migration pressures.”
Guyana also expressed its support for the Multi-Country Programme Document and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with UNICEF and regional partners to ensure that every child in Guyana and across the Caribbean can enjoy their full rights and realise their full potential.