The Government of Guyana, in collaboration with Colombia, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Toshaos Council of Guyana, co-hosted a side event at the United Nations Headquarters to strengthen indigenous healthcare systems.
The event, titled “Promoting Self-Determination while Advancing Quality Healthcare in Indigenous Communities,” brought together international stakeholders to examine inclusive and culturally grounded approaches to healthcare delivery.
The seminar was moderated by Her Excellency Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Delivering the welcome remarks, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne-Shadeek, emphasised the importance of empowering indigenous communities to shape healthcare policies that directly affect their lives.
Key presentations highlighted diverse perspectives on indigenous health governance and equity.
The Deputy Permanent Representative of Colombia, His Excellency Ambassador Rául Sánchez, delivered a presentation on “Indigenous health governance in conflict settings,” outlining challenges and strategies within vulnerable environments. Mr. Werner Obermeyer, Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) office at the United Nation representative addressed persistent disparities in healthcare access in their presentation, “Addressing health inequities in Indigenous communities.”
Guyana’s national perspective, presented by Dr. Orin Lewis in “Healthcare and Self-Determination: The Guyanese Perspective,” underscores the country’s ongoing efforts to integrate indigenous voices into healthcare planning and delivery.
Additional contributions were made by Pauline Sukhai, Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Latchman, MP, Director General for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Miriam Andrew, Ministerial Planning Officer, Shane Cornelius, Secretary of the National Toshao Council and Dave Jeffrey, Technical Officer who both highlighted grassroots initiatives and the role of community leadership in advancing sustainable health outcomes.
The seminar attracted engagement from delegations representing Kenya, Nicaragua, Indonesia, Colombia, and Canada, as well as Guyanese non-governmental organizations.
During discussions, Guyana received outstanding commendation from local NGO APA for the significant strides it has made in improving healthcare access and promoting self-determination among its indigenous populations.
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