During the launch of the APNU’s 2025 campaign at the Square of the Revolution, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton made an alarming claim that maternal deaths in Guyana are increasing. This statement has been vigorously denied by the Ministry of Health and healthcare professionals, who label it as not only inaccurate but also dangerously misleading.
In fact, Guyana has witnessed substantial progress in maternal and neonatal health in recent years. As reported by the Ministry of Health, maternal deaths from postpartum hemorrhage, a primary cause of maternal mortality, decreased from 23 cases in 2019 to 14 in 2024. Furthermore, there has been a remarkable 60% drop in neonatal deaths during the first nine months of 2024, falling from 68 in 2023 to 28 this year.
Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony asserts that these improvements are the result of deliberate reforms and investments in healthcare access. Notable initiatives include: the establishment of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in nine hospitals, the introduction of Maternal Waiting Homes for high-risk expectant mothers, the deployment of 81 Telemedicine Hubs, and the introduction of a Newborn Cash Grant aimed at assisting new parents.
Moreover, the $12.4 billion Paediatric and Maternal Hospital at Ogle, set to be completed by 2025, promises to further elevate healthcare standards. With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on maternal emergencies, it is seen as a vital step in improving the health landscape in Guyana.
Officials have condemned the politicization of maternal mortality rates, emphasizing that healthcare should not be exploited for political gain, but should reflect genuine progress in saving lives and supporting families.
Source: guyanachronicle.com
