Guyana receives 55,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines

Guyana today received 55,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines procured through support from Canada.

The vaccines were received at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by Advisor to the Ministry of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy; Political Counselor at the High Commission of Canada, Caroline Mireault and Officer in Charge at PAHO/WHO, Mr. Daniel Albert.

High Commissioner of Canadian, Mark Berman, applauded the efforts of the Government of Guyana to ensure that vaccines are available for everyone in the country and stated that Canada is committed to continuing to support Guyana’s efforts.

“The Government of Guyana has done tremendous work to ensure the availability and access of vaccines to the people in need. But we also recognize that the migrant populations have also put additional weight on the health care system. As such, Canada is proud to be able to provide this support to the Ministry of Health in an effort to ensure the entire population could be served,” he was quoted as saying in a press release from the Canadian Embassy.

Earlier this year, Canada had announced a contribution of CAD $50 million to the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO).

In Guyana, since the start of the pandemic, through PAHO Canada has procured PPEs, provided thousands of testing kits and equipment, supported training to strengthen diagnostic testing and sample taking, supported mental health psychosocial support campaigns and risk communication and also provided essential cleaning and sanitation supplies.