AGP Executive Report

Heart Health Push: The Stride592 SOCA Heart Project is gearing up for World Heart Day on Sept 27 with a run/walk and wellness festival at the Georgetown Cricket Club, plus a workshop on Sept 22 offering counselling, vouchers, massage, stretching, yoga and healthy food options. Congenital Heart Care: President Irfaan Ali says 17 children with congenital heart defects will undergo specialised surgery at GPHC from Sept 28–Oct 2, with 10 more planned for December and efforts to clear the remaining backlog by Q1 2027. ECHO Backlog Relief: GPHC is launching “Operation ECHOs” to clear echocardiogram waiting lists by end of October, bringing cardiologists and sonographers from Northwell (US) and Calgary (Canada). Pharmacy & AI: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony told pharmacists at Massy Distribution’s symposium that Guyana will soon test an AI-powered OpenEvidence system to support treatment decisions and medication safety. Health Systems Quality: Sheriff General Hospital Laboratory received national certification from GNBS, meeting standards across biochemistry, immunology, serology and haematology. Road Safety & Injury Risk: Traffic data shows accidents down 22% in the first half of the year, but speeding and risky pedestrian behaviour remain major concerns. Community Safety: Aviation operators warn that stray animals and people on runways at hinterland aerodromes are putting flights at serious risk. Traditional Healing Network: Indigenous healers from Guyana, Suriname and Brazil launched a regional Traditional Knowledge and Healers Network, aiming for recognition and ethical pathways into health systems.

Paediatric Cardiac Care: Seventeen children with congenital heart defects will undergo specialised surgery in Guyana from Sept 28–Oct 2 at GPHC, with a second mission in December for 10 more and plans to clear the remaining backlog by Q1 2027, reducing the need for families to travel overseas. Hospital Quality & Lab Standards: Sheriff General Hospital Laboratory received national certification from GNBS under GYS 170:2021 across biochemistry, immunology, serology and haematology—boosting confidence in test reliability for patients. Traditional Medicine & Health Systems: Indigenous healers from Guyana, Suriname and Brazil launched a regional Traditional Knowledge and Healers Network, aiming for ethical protocols and pathways for government recognition and possible integration with national health systems. Mining, Mercury & Women’s Health: A conference at UG highlighted concerns that mining is contaminating rivers, forcing some women to choose between mercury-laden fish and avoiding water sources, with reported links to reproductive harm and child health impacts. Road Safety: Traffic reported a 22% drop in accidents in the first half of the year, but warned speeding and risky pedestrian behaviour remain major drivers of crashes. Community Health Access: A modernised Campbelltown health centre in Region Eight is improving primary care locally, including solar-powered vaccine storage to strengthen immunisation services. Indigenous Development & Health Equity: Amerindian villages are leading their own development as major investment supports services and local priorities. Workforce Skills for Health-Adjacent Trades: 83 graduates completed a GuySuCo training programme in Port Mourant, building skills in areas like refrigeration and electrical installation that support safer home and community health.

Congenital heart care: President Irfaan Ali says 27 Guyanese children with congenital heart defects will get life-saving surgery this year via India’s Apollo Health Systems—17 from Sept 28–Oct 2 at GPHC and 10 in a December mission, aiming to clear the ~40-child waiting list by Q1 2027. Primary care access: A new health centre in Campbelltown, Region Eight, is now serving residents with community-based staff and a solar-powered vaccine refrigerator to keep immunisations at safe temperatures. Workplace safety & injury risk: A 28-year-old man from Dartmouth Village reportedly died after being electrocuted while using an outdoor toilet; two children later needed hospital observation after shaking near the same structure. Women in healthcare: A UG lecture urged that women’s voices must shape healthcare decisions, calling maternal health a justice issue beyond infrastructure. Hinterland health delivery: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony handed over vehicles to Regions Nine and Ten to help transport health workers, supplies and outreach services. Democracy & health systems: Dr Terrence Blackman argues Guyana’s democratic “communication channels” are weakening—warning that a society can’t correct failures if people can’t be heard.

Ageing Debate: A new scientific discussion is asking whether ageing should be treated as a disease, arguing it could unlock funding and trials—while critics warn it may fuel ageism; Cancer Partnerships: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says Guyana is strengthening cancer prevention and care through partnerships with Mount Sinai, Northwell, MD Anderson and others, including work to improve cervical cancer services; Cancer Screening Push: The Health Ministry is urging higher screening uptake after reporting 704 positive cancer cases so far in 2026; Health Access in Hinterland: Dr Anthony handed over vehicles to Regions 9 and 10 to help health teams transport staff, supplies and reach remote communities; Local Health Infrastructure: Sheriff Hospital lab joins a growing list of nationally certified laboratories; Community Football & Child Safety: Concacaf Bigger Game Academy coaching and a 10-week under-13 grassroots league aim to build teamwork and safeguarding alongside sport; Market Modernisation: New Amsterdam Market is being modernised with sanitation upgrades and vendor-friendly design; Social Services: The Human Services ministry highlights expanded childcare, disability support, women’s empowerment and family violence services; Deportation Funding: The U.S. State Department reportedly paid Guyana US$7.74M via IOM for resettlement and reintegration support for third-country deportees.

Cancer Care Partnerships: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says Guyana is strengthening ties with global cancer leaders like Mount Sinai, Northwell, MD Anderson, McMaster and India’s National Cancer Institute to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment, including cervical cancer work. Health Access in Hinterland: Dr Anthony handed over vehicles to Regions 9 and 10 to help health teams transport staff, supplies and reach remote communities. Cancer Screening Push: The Health Ministry continues urging wider screening as 704 positive cancer cases were recorded so far in 2026. Road Safety Tragedy: Post-mortem results confirm a 10-year-old, Gabriela Rodrigues, died from liver lacerations and shock after a hit-and-run motorcycle crash; the case file is headed to the DPP. Court Update (Bail): A Corentyne labourer accused in the fatal hit-and-run of headteacher Sonia Natasha Williams was denied bail. Public Health Infrastructure: Sheriff Hospital lab joins a growing list of nationally certified laboratories. Social Services: The Human Services ministry highlights expanded childcare, disability support, women’s empowerment and family violence services. NIS Coverage: NIS contributor base grew 41% over five years, adding nearly 80,000 contributors, as jobs expand across multiple sectors. Sports & Youth: GFDA launches an invitational grassroots Under-13 boys league starting today.

Cancer Care Push: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says Guyana has recorded 704 positive cancer diagnoses in 2026 and is urging more people to use screening services, as uptake remains low. Global Partnerships for Treatment: Dr Anthony also highlighted new and ongoing links with Mount Sinai, Northwell, MD Anderson and McMaster to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis and care. Laboratory Quality Boost: Sheriff General Hospital Laboratory received national certification under GYS 170:2021, expanding certified testing in biochemistry, immunology, serology and hematology. School Safety & Belonging: A Community of Practice focused on safer schools, stressing relationships, respectful classroom leadership and better school-family communication, supported by a UNESCO whole-school model. Defamation Ruling: Former health minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy was ordered to pay journalist Enrico Woolford $5M and issue an apology and retraction after a High Court defamation finding. Aviation Incident: GCAA launched an investigation after a Trans Guyana Airways plane veered off the runway at Mabaruma; no injuries were reported. Public Health in Prisons: Timehri Prison installed new dental equipment to improve healthcare for inmates. NIS Growth: NIS contributor base expanded by 41% over five years, adding nearly 80,000 contributors, as job growth continues.

Cancer Care Push: Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says Guyana has recorded 704 positive cancer diagnoses in 2026 and urges people to use screening services, noting prostate cancer leads cases and the top four cancers make up about 46%. Global Partnerships: Dr Anthony also says Guyana is strengthening cancer partnerships with Mount Sinai, Northwell, MD Anderson and McMaster, plus work with India’s National Cancer Institute. NIS Update: Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh reports the NIS contributor base grew 41% over five years, adding nearly 80,000 contributors since 2020, alongside job growth across multiple sectors. Aviation Safety: The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority is investigating a runway excursion at Mabaruma after a Trans Guyana Airways plane skidded off; no injuries were reported. Lab Quality: Sheriff General Hospital Laboratory received national certification under GYS 170:2021 in biochemistry, immunology, serology and hematology. Public Health & Safety: WIN calls for urgent drainage repairs in West Ruimveldt after recurrent flooding, and for fixing low-hanging electricity wires. Deportation Funding: A U.S. official confirms US$7.74M for resettlement and integration of deported third-country nationals, handled by IOM over two years. Justice & Rights: High Court orders Dr Leslie Ramsammy to pay journalist Enrico Woolford $5M for defamation and issue a retraction. Crime: Police investigate the murder of a security officer at a Non Pareil supermarket, with CCTV footage being reviewed.

Cancer Screening Push: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says Guyana has recorded 704 positive cancer diagnoses in 2026, with prostate cancer now leading (137 new cases), followed by breast, cervical and colorectal—urging more people to use diagnostic services as uptake remains low. Pinktober 2026 Campaign: One Communications and the Ministry of Health launched Pinktober under “Many Journeys, One Hope,” shifting focus beyond breast cancer to include PSA testing for men and mammogram voucher use to turn awareness into action. Laboratory Quality Boost: Sheriff General Hospital Laboratory received national certification under GYS 170:2021 in biochemistry, immunology, serology and hematology, with no nonconformances—aimed at improving reliability of diagnostic results. Infectious Disease Elimination: Guyana is nearing certified elimination status for lymphatic filariasis (filaria), with international validation underway, alongside active elimination tracks for malaria, leprosy and leishmaniasis. HIV Care Strengthening: A workshop on advanced HIV clinical management highlights expanded ARV access and improved care pathways, supported by PAHO/WHO. Prison Health Upgrade: Timehri Prison installed new dental equipment to improve healthcare standards for inmates in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Regional Lab Networking: CARPHA’s CariPHLN workshop in Barbados brought together Caribbean lab directors to strengthen disease detection, surveillance and coordinated public health response. Health Abroad Tragedy: A Guyanese woman, Racquel Olivia Chandni Seecharran, was found unresponsive at a Bengaluru airport transit hotel and later declared dead; investigations are ongoing. Accident With Medical Impact: A Trans Guyana Airways plane skidded off the Mabaruma airstrip after a reported dog sighting; passengers were examined and some kept for observation.

Cancer Screening Push: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says Guyana has recorded 704 positive cancer diagnoses in 2026 and urges people to use state and private screening services, warning that low uptake is delaying detection until cancers are more advanced; Pinktober 2026: The Pinktober campaign was launched with a focus on action, not just awareness, as prostate cancer now leads diagnoses, followed by breast, cervical and colorectal cancers; Local Lab Quality: Sheriff General Hospital Laboratory received national certification under GYS 170:2021 in biochemistry, immunology, serology and hematology—aimed at improving reliability of diagnostic results; Infectious Disease Elimination: Guyana is nearing certified elimination status for lymphatic filariasis (filaria) after mass drug administration and strengthened surveillance, alongside active elimination efforts for malaria, leprosy and leishmaniasis; Regional Lab Strengthening: CARPHA’s CariPHLN workshop in Barbados brought together Caribbean lab directors to improve disease detection, surveillance, specimen handling and coordinated public health response; Prison Dental Care: Timehri Prison installed new dental equipment to upgrade healthcare for inmates in collaboration with the Ministry of Health; HIV Clinical Capacity: A PAHO/WHO-backed workshop in Brickdam focused on strengthening clinical management for advanced HIV disease across Guyana’s regions.

Cancer Screening Push: Guyana’s Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says cancer diagnoses have topped 700 this year, with prostate cancer now the most commonly diagnosed (137 new cases), followed by breast, cervical and colorectal—while uptake for mammograms remains low despite more machines across regions. Public Health Labs & Disease Control: CARPHA wrapped up a CariPHLN workshop in Barbados bringing together 26 lab directors to strengthen disease detection, surveillance, diagnostic coordination and specimen handling across the Caribbean, with Guyana among the in-person participants. Infectious Disease Elimination Track: Guyana is nearing certified elimination status for lymphatic filariasis, while also intensifying efforts against HIV (including advanced HIV clinical capacity), leprosy, malaria and hepatitis C through better surveillance, lab upgrades and treatment linkage. HIV Care Capacity: A workshop on advanced HIV management highlighted improved antiretroviral treatment outcomes and the need to step up diagnosis and surveillance amid cross-border movement. Health Abroad Tragedy: A Guyanese woman, Racquel Olivia Chandni Seecharran, was found unresponsive at a Bengaluru airport transit hotel and later declared dead; investigations are underway. Workplace Safety Reform: Government is reviewing occupational safety and health legislation, including new oil-and-gas sector regulations, alongside more inspections and training.

Infectious Disease Elimination: Guyana is nearing certified elimination status for lymphatic filariasis (filaria), with international validation underway as the Health Ministry shifts toward full eradication; HIV Care & Surveillance: Dr. Frank Anthony says Guyana is strengthening clinical capacity for advanced HIV disease and stepping up HIV surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, and viral suppression amid porous borders and cross-border movement; Lab Readiness: A CARPHA workshop in Barbados focused on boosting Caribbean laboratory preparedness and faster detection and response to health threats; Cancer Screening Push: One Communications’ PinkTober campaign is expanding from breast cancer awareness to action—pushing mammogram vouchers and encouraging men to discuss PSA testing; Workplace Safety: Government is reviewing occupational safety and health legislation with the ILO to modernize protections and prepare oil-and-gas specific regulations; Public Health System Upgrades: Dr. Anthony also outlined broader elimination efforts for leprosy, malaria, leishmaniasis, and hepatitis C alongside stronger lab and surveillance capacity; Community Health & Safety: A headteacher, Sonia Natasha Williams of Kildonan Primary, died after a Rose Hall hit-and-run, while police investigations continue.

Infectious Disease Push: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says Guyana is intensifying efforts to eliminate diseases like lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, malaria and hepatitis C, while upgrading labs, surveillance and clinical training to catch infections earlier and link patients to treatment. HIV Care Capacity: At a workshop on advanced HIV disease management, Anthony stressed stronger HIV surveillance, diagnosis and viral suppression amid increased cross-border movement. Workplace Safety Reform: The Labour Ministry is reviewing occupational safety and health laws with the ILO, aiming to modernise protections and prepare oil-and-gas specific regulations alongside more inspections and training. Road Safety Tragedy (Corentyne): Kildonan Primary headteacher Sonia Williams died after a hit-and-run on the Rose Hall Town Public Road; police say she was struck while opening her car door and the driver was arrested. Road Safety Tragedy (Georgetown): An elderly woman, Patricia Cornelius, died after being hit down by a vehicle driven by a GDF member; her family says police updates have been slow. Public Health Administration Questions: Opposition MP Sherod Duncan inspected the Ministry of Health Brickdam compound after hundreds of foreign nationals gathered with passports, demanding clarity on what the registration process is for. Wellness & NCD Prevention: The Ministry of Health and partners held a Caribbean Wellness Day walk with nutrition booths to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce chronic disease risk.

HIV & Infectious Disease Response: Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony says Guyana is stepping up HIV surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and viral suppression, especially with rising cross-border movement, while also pushing toward elimination of diseases like lymphatic filariasis, leishmaniasis, leprosy, malaria and hepatitis C through stronger labs, training and clinical quality. Wellness & Mental Health: For Caribbean Wellness Day, the Ministry of Health and partners held a community walk with nutrition booths to help people prevent chronic non-communicable diseases; and on World Suicide Prevention Day, PANCAP urged stronger mental health action across families, schools, workplaces and faith groups. Deportation Deal Scrutiny: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana will only accept third-country deportees after its own vetting and that U.S. financial and technical support is essential for the programme; meanwhile, the GHRA and opposition MPs are calling for transparency and raising human rights and capacity concerns, including questions about a large foreign-national registration exercise at the Brickdam compound. Road Safety Tragedies: A 19-year-old died after a motorcycle crash into a lamp pole in Corentyne, and a 14-year-old boy died after a motorcycle collided with a horse in Berbice—both incidents highlight the need for safer riding and better enforcement. Eye Care Access: The National Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Mourant says it has cleared surgical backlogs and will begin eye-surgery outreaches to Hinterland regions starting in October. Workplace Safety Push: Labour intensified Occupational Safety and Health inspections, surpassing 2026 targets and expanding safety education across high-risk sectors.

Medical Access & Advocacy: Cuban activist Aniette González García left Cuba for Guyana after years of imprisonment and harassment, saying her worsening throat condition has left her unable to get proper tests or specialized care. Public Health & Prevention: The Ministry of Health and Stride 592 held a Caribbean Wellness Day walk in Region Three to push healthier lifestyles and reduce chronic non-communicable disease risk, with nutrition booths and healthy snacks on site. Mental Health: On World Suicide Prevention Day, PANCAP urged stronger mental health action across the Caribbean, noting high suicide mortality rates in Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago and calling for community-wide support. Eye Care in the Hinterland: The National Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Mourant says it has cleared surgical backlogs and will begin outreach eye surgeries from October, starting with Regions Eight and Nine. Workplace Safety: Guyana commissioned an Occupational Safety and Health Centre of Excellence in Region Six and says training and a stronger safety culture will expand across workplaces. Violence & Injury Alerts: A 39-year-old man, Kevon Benjamin, died after a shooting at a Beterverwagting supermarket; a security guard is in custody. Separately, a 10-year-old girl died after a hit-and-run motorcycle crash in Albouystown, and a 14-year-old boy died after a motorcycle collision with a horse in Berbice. Health Funding Need: A meningioma patient in India needs an additional $1.4M for further treatment, according to his family.

Economic Health & Public Pressure: President Irfaan Ali says Guyana’s economy surged with 33.3% real GDP growth in the first half of 2026 (non-oil up 10.1%), but the boom is raising cost-of-living questions—while he urges investment beyond oil into housing, education, health care, and digitization. Everyday Wellness: The Ministry of Health and partners held a Caribbean Wellness Day walk to promote daily physical activity and help prevent chronic non-communicable diseases, with nutrition booths and healthy snacks. Suicide Prevention Focus: On World Suicide Prevention Day, PANCAP called for stronger mental health action across families, schools, workplaces, faith groups, and governments, citing high suicide mortality rates in Guyana and the region. Urgent Care Needs: A man in Georgetown is seeking $1.4M for further treatment in India after surgery for a brain tumour (meningioma). Access to Eye Care: The National Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Mourant says it will start eye-surgery outreaches in Hinterland regions from October, aiming to cut travel burdens. Safety & Health at Work: Guyana commissioned an Occupational Safety and Health Centre of Excellence in Region Six and says OSH inspections are accelerating, with new oil-and-gas safety regulations planned. Violence & Community Impact: Police report a security guard in custody after a fatal supermarket shooting at Beterverwagting, and another fatal shooting after a music dispute. Mental Health & Men: A local column links Guyanese men’s suicide risk to psychological pain, masculinity norms, and prevention gaps. Road Safety: A 14-year-old boy died after a motorcycle crash involving a horse in Berbice. Health System Strain Claims: Opposition MPs and rights groups raised concerns about a large foreign-national registration exercise at the Ministry of Health, and about healthcare access and drug quality.

Eye Care Access: National Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Mourant says it has cleared surgical backlogs and will start eye-surgery outreaches in October, beginning with Regions Eight and Nine, to reduce the need for hinterland patients to travel to Berbice. Workplace Safety Push: The Labour Ministry reports more than 3,000 Occupational Safety and Health inspections in the first five months of 2026 and says it is also reviewing OSH rules for the oil and gas sector with stakeholder consultations. Training for Safer Workplaces: A new $100M Occupational Safety and Health Centre of Excellence was commissioned in Region Six at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, offering practical training and a CVQ OSH Level 3 programme. Child Protection & Justice: Human Services Minister Vindhya Persaud called for faster forensic timelines and tighter coordination across police, healthcare, and prosecutors to improve rape and child sexual abuse case handling. Hinterland Digital Health Support: PM Mark Phillips says ICT hubs in hinterland communities are helping young people complete services online, reducing the need to leave home for access. Local Health & Community Development: Region Three’s Pouderoyen Market project ($1.5B) was set in motion, with officials linking community upgrades to better access to health centres and safer living. Health Equity Concern: GHRA says Guyana risks reputational harm by collaborating with a controversial U.S. deportation scheme, raising concerns about rights and transparency.