The Country
Guyana is a country in South America characterized by lush nature and rich biodiversity. Most of its territory is covered by rainforests, which represent one of the largest reserves of biodiversity in the world. This nation, unique in South America for its official language English, inherits a British colonial past. Its territory is mostly flat, with the exception of the highlands of the southwest.
As of 2023, Guyana’s population was approximately 826,353. Population growth is significant, with a population growth rate of 0.57%. The population distribution is predominantly rural, with 60% of the population living in rural areas. Life expectancy at birth is approximately 63 years for men and 69 years for women.
Socioeconomically, Guyana is a developing country. Its economy is heavily dependent on mining, particularly gold and bauxite. Agriculture, while important, is limited by climate and soil. Social inequalities are significant, with wealth concentrated in the hands of a minority. Despite the growth of the service sector, dependence on natural resources exposes the economy to price fluctuations in international markets.
Politically, Guyana has a complex history, marked by regime changes and ethnic tensions. In recent years, the country has experienced a period of relative political stability, but challenges remain numerous. Fighting corruption, strengthening democratic institutions and promoting sustainable development are among the country’s priorities.
Guyana faces significant challenges in the health sector. Infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue and chikungunya are endemic, especially in the interior regions and in indigenous communities. Access to basic health services is limited, with shortages of qualified medical personnel and adequate infrastructure, especially in rural areas. Infant and maternal mortality remain high, due to complications during childbirth, malnutrition and preventable diseases.
In 2022, the mortality rate from lower respiratory infections in Guyana was approximately 31 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. This data highlights the urgent need to improve the management of respiratory diseases in the country. The Chiesi Foundation, through the GASP project (The Global Access and Spirometry Project) is working to address these challenges and improve the quality of life of patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
(Source: data.who.int)
Guyana in numbers
Guyana in numbers
Our intervention
Since 2014, the Chiesi Foundation has supported the three-year project “Partners in care – Optimizing Asthma & COPD Diagnosis and Chronic Disease Management in Guyana”, a pulmonary medical training project focused on developing specific clinical skills for the management of chronic respiratory diseases, with particular reference to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The project is coordinated by Prof. Robert Levy of the University of British Columbia, in collaboration with the British Columbia Lung Association.
The project aims to increase the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic respiratory diseases and raise local health standards, through better management of the disease. The aim is to reduce the risk of exacerbations and preventable deaths, while reducing hospitalisation costs for the healthcare system and social and economic costs for society.
During 2017, the Chiesi Foundation renewed its support for the GASP Project, in order to promote the transfer of the same intervention model, called “Global Access and Spirometry Project – GASP in a box”, in other health facilities in Guyana. Thanks to the support of the Chiesi Foundation, the spirometry service at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) in Guyana has been relaunched. In addition to resuming diagnostic activities, the GPHC has started a fruitful collaboration with five health centers in the capital, in order to improve the care of patients suffering from asthma and COPD.
This innovative path aims to bring specialist care closer to patients, ensuring effective management of respiratory diseases at the community level. In 2023, the Chiesi Foundation strengthened its partnership with Prof. Robert Levy and his team, implementing an efficient communication and monitoring system to follow up on patients taken care of by health centers.
Our intervention
Since 2014, the Chiesi Foundation has supported the three-year project “Partners in care – Optimizing Asthma & COPD Diagnosis and Chronic Disease Management in Guyana”, a pulmonary medical training project focused on developing specific clinical skills for the management of chronic respiratory diseases, with particular reference to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The project is coordinated by Prof. Robert Levy of the University of British Columbia, in collaboration with the British Columbia Lung Association.
The project aims to increase the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic respiratory diseases and raise local health standards, through better management of the disease. The aim is to reduce the risk of exacerbations and preventable deaths, while reducing hospitalisation costs for the healthcare system and social and economic costs for society.
During 2017, the Chiesi Foundation renewed its support for the GASP Project, in order to promote the transfer of the same intervention model, called “Global Access and Spirometry Project – GASP in a box”, in other health facilities in Guyana. Thanks to the support of the Chiesi Foundation, the spirometry service at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) in Guyana has been relaunched. In addition to resuming diagnostic activities, the GPHC has started a fruitful collaboration with five health centers in the capital, in order to improve the care of patients suffering from asthma and COPD.
This innovative path aims to bring specialist care closer to patients, ensuring effective management of respiratory diseases at the community level. In 2023, the Chiesi Foundation strengthened its partnership with Prof. Robert Levy and his team, implementing an efficient communication and monitoring system to follow up on patients taken care of by health centers.
Our main activities in Guyana
Introduction of diagnostic and monitoring tools including the spirometer.
Development of a training program for Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) healthcare personnel.
Better hospital management and cost efficiency.
