Effort underway to tackle antimicrobial resistance and infection risks nationwide

The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), on Thursday launched a two-day workshop to develop a practical, user-friendly national guideline for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a key step in strengthening healthcare standards and patient safety nationwide.

The guidelines are expected to be adaptable across all healthcare settings and aligned with a One Health approach.

The workshop brings together key stakeholders, including public health officials, clinicians, infection control practitioners, and partner agencies, to inform the development of evidence-based protocols supporting safer healthcare delivery and improved antimicrobial stewardship nationwide.

During the opening ceremony, Minister of Health, Honourable Dr. Frank Anthony, emphasised the importance of having strong IPC and AMR systems as Guyana continues to advance its healthcare standards. He noted that significant groundwork has already begun with technical support from PAHO and stressed that the finalised guidelines must be effectively implemented across every healthcare facility.

“Once these guidelines are finished, we must ensure that every single one of our facilities is actively implementing them,” Dr. Anthony stated. He highlighted that proper IPC practices and strengthened AMR surveillance are essential not only for protecting patients and healthcare workers, but also for reducing the burden of drug-resistant infections in the wider community.

Dr. Anthony added that the Ministry remains committed to continuous training, monitoring, and capacity building to support health workers at every level. The new national guidelines will serve as a foundational tool for standardising IPC practices, guiding antimicrobial use, and ultimately improving the quality of care delivered across the country.

The Ministry of Health also extended gratitude to PAHO for its continued partnership and technical leadership in advancing Guyana’s IPC and AMR objectives. Officials said the outcomes of the workshop will play a crucial role in supporting national health resilience and protecting public health for generations to come.