Guyana, global partners strengthen commitment to indigenous health equity

The Government of Guyana, in partnership with Colombia, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Toshaos Council, hosted an event titled “Promoting Self-Determination while Advancing Quality Healthcare in Indigenous Communities”, which brought together international stakeholders to examine inclusive and culturally grounded approaches to healthcare delivery.
The seminar was moderated by Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Her Excellency Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.
Delivering remarks, Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek emphasised the importance of empowering indigenous communities to shape healthcare policies that directly affect their lives.
Key presentations highlighted diverse perspectives on Indigenous health governance and equity.
The Deputy Permanent Representative of Colombia, His Excellency Ambassador Raúl Sánchez, who presented on “Indigenous Health Governance in Conflict Settings”, outlined challenges and strategies within vulnerable environments.

In addition, the Director of the WHO office at the United Nations, representative Werner Obermeyer, addressed persistent disparities in healthcare access in his presentation, “Addressing Health Inequities in Indigenous Communities”.
Guyana’s national perspective, presented by Dr Orin Lewis in “Healthcare and Self-Determination: The Guyanese Perspective”, underscores the country’s ongoing efforts to integrate indigenous voices into healthcare planning and delivery.
Further, contributions were made by Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Pauline Sukhai; Director General for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Sonia Latchman; Ministerial planning officer Miriam Andrew; Secretary of the National Toshaos Council Shane Cornelius; and Technical Officer Dave Jeffrey, who highlighted both grassroots initiatives and the role of community leadership in advancing sustainable health outcomes.
The seminar attracted engagement from delegations representing Kenya, Nicaragua, Indonesia, Colombia, and Canada, as well as Guyanese non-Governmental organisations (NGOs).
During discussions, Guyana received outstanding commendation from local NGO, Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), for the significant strides it has made in improving healthcare access and promoting self-determination among its indigenous populations.