The US Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is continuing its support of Guyana’s health sector.

Newly appointed US Ambassador Nicole D. Theriot has handed over 13 solar-powered vaccine refrigerators to the Ministry of Health.

The pieces of equipment, which are valued at US$160,000, will be used in health care centers in remote areas of Guyana.

The US Embassy said a recent assessment revealed several challenges in maintaining a stable cold chain within health facilities in Guyana’s hinterlands, and responding to the need, USAID, through its collaboration with UNICEF, procured solar refrigerators to maintain the cold chain, thus ensuring the vaccines’ potency and reliability.

The refrigerators will provide consistent access to vital immunizations, improving equitable healthcare access, and significantly reducing the risk of preventable disease outbreaks. The Embassy also said the donation underscores the importance of reliable vaccine storage and will provide a significant cost savings by maintaining the viability of vaccines.

Ambassador Theriot noted that the solar-powered refrigerators symbolize the US Government’s shared vision of reaching every corner of Guyana with essential healthcare services.

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