FHI Guyana Launches PMTCT Materials

JUNE 2004 — FHI Guyana officially launched its prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) HIV support materials on May 24 at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown. The materials were unveiled at a well-attended ceremony in Georgetown.

FHI's behavior change communication (BCC) team produced the materials after many months of collaboration with Guyana Ministry of Health officials and healthcare providers. These materials will be used in the PMTCT sites around Guyana.

At the head table were Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Minister of Health; H.E. Roland Bullen, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana; Dr. Mike Sarhan, Mission Director for USAID/Guyana; Sheila Mitchell, Senior Vice-President, FHI; Dr. Jomo Osborne, Director of Maternal and Child Health; and Kwame Asiedu, Country Director for USAID/FHI Guyana. Media coverage was excellent with stories being carried on all six television newscasts and both the Guyana Chronicle and Stabroek newspapers.

U.S. Ambassador Bullen presented certificates of collaboration between USAID/FHI Guyana and eight local NGOs that have submitted proposals for BCC projects. These subcontracts will be executed over the next six months throughout all regions of Guyana.

FHI Staff Visits Recipients of PMTCT Materials

Photo, top: Mike Sarhan, USAID Mission Director, left, welcomes local ministry of health and NGO officials, who are receiving certificates for PMTCT efforts in the area. (FHI)

Photo, bottom: Sheila Mitchell (in blue) visited with FHI/Guyana staff during the ceremonial launch of the PMTCT materials.