McMaster University

Published purpose

This project aims to reduce preventable deaths among women of reproductive age (aged 15 to 49), newborns, and children under 5 years old in the remote Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9 of Guyana. The project strengthens health systems in underserved communities where maternal and child mortality rates remain high by increasing access to high-quality, gender-responsive health services. Project activities include: (1) training over 180 healthcare workers in maternal and newborn care, including emergency obstetrics, postpartum depression, and high-risk pregnancies; (2) implementing the Perinatal Information System (SIP) plus electronic health records system across 166 health facilities to improve real-time data collection and continuity of care; (3) supporting adolescent girls through reproductive health education and safe spaces in collaboration with local leaders; (4) expanding telemedicine infrastructure to improve specialist access in remote clinics; and (5) training health staff in quality improvement (QI) methods and developing national-level QI strategies and handbooks. The project benefits women, newborns, adolescent girls, and healthcare workers across Guyana’s hinterland. It also supports Indigenous communities by integrating culturally sensitive approaches and empowering local leaders and health committees to sustain improvements in maternal, newborn, and child health.