Guyana At a Glance
Cloud cover over Lethem, Guyana brings hope of much-needed rain the temperature rises in the Rupununi savannah.
Guyana is a small country located at the northern end of South America. It is unique as the only English-speaking country on the continent, a remnant of its history as a British colony. Considered part of the British Empire until 1966, Guyana’s ethnic composition is also a result of British colonialism. The slave trade from Africa was replaced by the arrival of indentured labourers from India, with the result that more than 80% of Guyana’s population is of African or Indian descent. The remaining 20% of the population are of indigenous, Caucasian, or Chinese descent.
Amerindian women of all ages in Guyana gather at the Lethem conference grounds for HIV/AIDS awareness classes held under a mango tree. Deeply rooted beliefs have caused many women to silently fear "catching AIDS" from hugging and kissing their husbands. Many believe that this disease is punishment for past wrongdoings.
Despite its sparse population (Guyana is one of the least densely populated nations on Earth) and its abundant resources, Guyana remains poor. Ethnic tensions, political instability and economic troubles continue to cause problems in Guyana. Poverty in the country disproportionately affects women and rural residents, and the government considers maternal mortality rates unacceptably high. HIV/AIDS prevalence is also a concern.
The Guyanese government has started taking important steps to promote development. These include the creation of a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, the introduction of surveillance and infrastructure programs (including a database for STI management) to combat HIV/AIDS, and acknowledgement that reforms are needed to combat high maternal mortality rates and low life expectancy.
The IWHP has partnered with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Ministry of Health of Guyana to implement the ALARM International Program (AIP) in Guyana. During 2008 and 2009, ten AIP training courses will be delivered, along with two “train the trainers” courses. Ultimately the goal is to train approximately 400 health professionals in AIP content, as well as 20 Guyanese instructors capable of delivering AIP training courses.
Other goals of the IWHP’s initiative in Guyana are the development of a national team of instructors capable of creating action plans to promote quality, woman-centred care and the establishment of strong relationships between the SOGC and our partner organizations.