Media to play critical role in public health advocacy – Chief Medical Officer

Aiming to raise nationwide awareness and save lives, the Health Ministry is calling on media houses to play a critical role in promoting organ donation and debunking widespread misconceptions—especially those tied to religious beliefs.
The call was made during a media sensitization session hosted on Thursday, in collaboration with the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh, while addressing the session, urged the media to capitalize on their platform and influence to raise awareness about organ transplantation, and to dispel persistent myths surrounding the issue across Guyana.
“We are calling on the media, not just to report on organ transplantation, but to be champions of public understanding and ambassadors of truth. We recognize the media as an essential partner in national development and public health advocacy. Your voices reach every corner of society—across religions, classes, and cultures.” Dr Singh stated.

He emphasized that media professionals are not only storytellers and educators but also powerful agenda-setters. He noted that television, radio, newspapers, and online platforms are trusted sources of information throughout the country.
By raising awareness about the life-saving potential of organ and tissue donation, he explained that the media can play a vital role in dispelling fear, uncertainty, and religious misconceptions.
Dr Singh encouraged the media to highlight success stories of transplant recipients and donor families, as well as explain the legal protections in place to ensure ethical practices.
“There are common misconceptions rooted in religion that the media can help to powerfully clarify and address.” Dr Singh added.
On that note, he stressed the importance of responsible, accurate, and sensitive reporting that encourages informed discussions in communities, religious institutions, and households.
“That is why this engagement is critical—to ensure that accurate, responsible, and sensitive information about organ donation and transplantation is shared widely and effectively. We need your help to tell the real stories—the stories of patients whose lives have been transformed by transplants, of brave donors and their families, of progress, science, and, above all, humanity.” he said.
Dr Singh reiterated that while the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act, passed in 2022, provides a strong legal foundation, its success depends heavily on public awareness and support.
“The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Health, has taken a firm and progressive step by establishing a structured framework for organ and tissue transplantation. But no law, no policy, no agency can succeed without the support of the public. And that is where you, the media, play a critical role.”
He illustrated this with emotional examples—a child awaiting a kidney, a mother regaining sight through a corneal transplant, and a father receiving a second chance at life.
“These stories are real. They are powerful. And they need to be told. Organ and tissue donation is one of the greatest gifts a human being can offer.” he said.
Dr Singh concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the media in their public education efforts.
“Your role in this national journey is indispensable. We at the Ministry of Health are committed to ongoing dialogue; to providing you with technical support and accurate information, and to supporting your efforts in telling these life-changing stories. We are calling on the media not just to report on organ transplants, but to be champions of public understanding and ambassadors of truth.”