After seven long years of being heavily involved in the development and implementation of social and behavioural change campaigns in Guyana, Breakthrough Action brought the curtains down today at Herdmanston Lodge.
Breakthrough Action (BA), a partnership led by the John Hopkins Center for Communication Program is a flagship global social and behaviour change project supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
During this partnership, much technical support and funding were given to the Ministry of Health’s Malaria and COVID-19 communication campaign.
At today’s ceremony, BA handed over a hard drive containing community engagement strategies and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to the Minister of Health, Honourable Dr Frank Anthony.
Dr Anthony in his remarks commended the team for their support in tackling rumours and misinformation surrounding malaria and COVID-19.
“During the pandemic, there were lots of rumours and misinformation circulating; we were able to effectively respond to those rumours in real time”, he stated.
While emphasising the importance of positive behaviour change in the malaria awareness campaign, the Minister said he is convinced that by adapting these new and innovative strategies, the Ministry can be on the trajectory to eliminate malaria.
Dr Anthony explained that the Ministry will continue to work closely with its stakeholders to eliminate malaria in Guyana.
“I am convinced with the technical expertise we will be able to successfully eliminate malaria”, he said.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador, Nicole Theriot said that apart from the “little mosquito – big problem campaign” her agency has supported the introduction of innovative tools designed “for miners by miners” to enhance the effectiveness of your volunteer testers programme.
They were also instrumental in the promotion of the use and care of over 46,000 mosquito nets with distribution campaigns where it was most needed.