As a government, we continue to prioritise the health and well-being of our nation, fully recognising the vital importance of maternal and child health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 300,000 women lose their lives each year due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth. In addition, over 2 million infants die within their first month of life, and another 2 million are stillborn. Unfortunately, current trends show that four out of five countries are not on track to meet the targets for improving maternal survival by 2030.

In Guyana, the Ministry of Health has taken significant steps over the past four years to enhance women’s and children’s long-term health and well-being. Every mother and child deserve access to quality healthcare services that ensure safe pregnancies, healthy deliveries, and the best possible start in life.

We are encouraged by the progress made thus far. Over the past five years, the country has made significant strides in reducing maternal deaths due to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), with a notable decrease from 23 cases in 2019 to 14 cases in 2024. This reduction results from concerted efforts and strategic interventions across the public healthcare sector. Key initiatives contributing to this success include the widespread implementation of the Zero Deaths by Haemorrhage training programme for healthcare workers in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO). Additionally, we have enhanced healthcare infrastructure by equipping all hospitals with Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garments and establishing blood banks at regional hospitals, ensuring a steady and reliable blood supply. Emergency care capacity has been further strengthened by creating dedicated operating theatres nationwide designed to address complications swiftly. Furthermore, we have deployed obstetricians to nine of the ten administrative regions, ensuring expert care is available across all urban and rural areas. These measures, along with improved access to healthcare services, have collectively contributed to the reduction in maternal mortality from postpartum haemorrhage. (Kaieteur News)