In a strategic move to advance Guyana’s groundbreaking “One Health Project,†Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, met earlier today with a high-level delegation from the World Bank. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Health headquarters, comes just days before the official start of the World Bank’s support mission for the ambitious national health initiative.
The One Health Project, a first for the Caribbean and only the second of its kind globally, aims to integrate human, animal, and environmental health systems to better detect, prepare for, and respond to emerging health threats. The project is supported by a US$22 million grant from the Pandemic Fund and the World Bank, underscoring international confidence in Guyana’s leadership in health security.
During the meeting, Minister Anthony and the World Bank team, led by Senior Health Specialist Dr. Daniel Dulitzky, discussed the project’s implementation roadmap, key milestones, and immediate priorities. The discussions focused on strengthening laboratory capacity, enhancing disease surveillance, and building a skilled workforce capable of rapid response to health emergencies.
Minister Anthony reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration with international partners. “We are determined to build a resilient health system that can protect our people and contribute to regional security,†he stated. He emphasized the importance of effective coordination among all stakeholders, including the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment, to ensure the project’s success.
The World Bank delegation commended Guyana’s proactive approach and highlighted the country’s swift progress in preparing for the project’s rollout. Dr. Dulitzky noted that Guyana’s experience could serve as a model for other nations seeking to implement integrated health strategies.
The upcoming World Bank support mission will include technical workshops, site visits, and consultations with local and regional health officials. These activities are designed to fine-tune operational plans and ensure that the project’s objectives are met on schedule.
As the One Health Project moves from planning to implementation, today’s meeting signals a new chapter in Guyana’s efforts to safeguard public health and build a more resilient future. The collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the World Bank is expected to set new standards for health preparedness, not just for Guyana, but for the entire Caribbean region.
