Our First Virtual Fundraising Event
We know these continue to be challenging times for everyone – Covid-19 seems to be unrelenting but with perseverance, kindness, and respect for one another we will get through this – Together.
Many of our supporters have told us how much they missed the Annual GHTK Gala. This year we had planned so many activities to celebrate our 10th Anniversary with you, but unfortunately, it was not to be! However, the Board members put their “thinking hats” on and looking for ways that we could provide a brief respite to people and have fun at the same time – and also raise some much-needed funds to support the babies and their families in Guyana.
Upcoming Events
December 4
Virtual “Quarantine Carnival” – Doors Open at 7.30 p.m.
Sign-up at ghtk.ca - go to Events Tab
Knowing how much our supporters like to dance what could be more appropriate than a Virtual Quarantine Carnival! We have contracted with Carnival Spice to bring this unique event directly to your home computer! The event is scheduled for Friday, December 4, 2020, with “Doors Open” at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are $35.00 each.
The evening will include Fitness and Entertainment with a Caribbean Carnival Twist – 30 minutes freestyle dance movement; 30 minutes fun beginner-level carnival choreography.
To join us – please just click on https://www.ghtk.ca/index.php/event/events/quarantine-carnival
World Prematurity Day 2020 by Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health Guyana (reprinted from the Guyana Times)
World Prematurity Day is recognized Annually on November 17, 2020 as an opportunity raise awareness to a growing global crisis. Every year worldwide fifteen (15) million babies are born prematurely, an estimated one (1) million die with countless surviving only to be impacted by significant disabilities. What is even more alarming is that 75% of all premature deaths are preventable with quite simple and inexpensive measures.
This year’s theme “Together for babies born too soon – Caring for the Future”
focused on supporting families, supporting healthcare professionals, and strengthening healthcare systems.
In Guyana, there are approximately 15,000 deliveries annually (6,000 at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, 6,000 at 5 Regional Hospitals and another 3,000 at smaller centers including remote areas). The Ministry of Health in partnership with Giving Health To Kids (GHTK) embarked on a long-term sustainable plan more than 10-years ago to ensure the highest level of neonatal care to the most fragile in our population. To-date, we have developed 6 Neonatal Intensive Care Units, trained 21 Paediatricians, and 70 NICU nurses. As a result, Guyana has experienced a significant decline in neonatal mortality and further decline is anticipated as we strategically enhance the care in regional and remote areas of the country.
We intend to consolidate and improve our training programs, enhance the level of neonatal and obstetrical care, develop a neonatal network and expand our reach into rural areas to ensure that every mother and baby has equal access to high quality obstetric and neonatal care.
I want to express my sincere thanks and congratulate our local paediatricians, neonatal nurses, allied health care professionals and “our international partner Giving Health To Kids” for increasing public health awareness by addressing the neonatal mortality.
“Together we can secure our future by saving our babies today”.
World Prematurity Day Webinar
GHTK was pleased to hold a Webinar on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, for World Prematurity Day. Dr. Narendra Singh, President of GHTK was the Moderator and the Guest Speakers were:
• Dr. Leif Nelin, Neonatologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, USA – speaking about “How we impact Infant Mortality”
• Dr. Anna Florendo-Chin, Neonatologist at Georgetown Public Hospital, Guyana – speaking about “Hypothermia in the Neonate”
• Caitlin Yeager, Neonatal Nurse, Educator, University Hospitals, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, USA – speaking about “Care of the Extremely Small Baby”
• Dr. Sara Singh, Paediatrician/Senior Registrar, Georgetown Public Hospital, Guyana – speaking about “Necrotizing Enterocolitis”
More than 200 people participated, and it was an excellent learning experience for everyone. Special thanks are extended to Aruna Faria, GHTK Coordinator in Guyana who organized, planned, tested the computers to make sure all went well – excellent job Aruna.
Congratulations to the Nurses in Antigua
As we mentioned in our October Update, the Nurses in Antigua completed their final exams on October 5th and we are so pleased to let you know that the 11 nurses who were in the Program have passed – so they now have their Certificate in Neonatal Critical Care. St. John’s Hospital in Antigua is delighted with the results and wants GHTK to begin another program – with a potential start date of July 2021 (much depends on the situation with Covid-19). Cait Yeager, GHTK Board member and the leader for the GHTK Nursing Program was able to ensure the program continued despite the pressures of Covid-19 – both at her own hospital and in Antigua. Thank you very much, Cait for your ongoing excellent leadership and commitment to GHTK.
In Closing
These continue to be challenging times worldwide although we do see some light at the end of the tunnel with the developments of the Covid-19 vaccinations. In the meantime, it is so important that we are there for one another – the simple question of asking our family members, our friends, our colleagues “How are you” shows that we care and we are there.
Please continue to wear your mask when out, especially if you are indoors, wash your hands, keep your distance and we will get through these times together.
