The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) says it is vital that the nation treats health care as a priority.
In its message on the occasion of World Health Day, the GPSU said this year’s theme ‘Protecting health from climate change’ is fitting since there has been an increase in the number of diseases and a decrease in the availability of potable water and food supply globally. In the light of this the GPSU said it supports the initiative by government and Caricom to enhance Guyana’s natural capabilities in the agriculture sector to grow more food in an attempt to address the shortages.
It said too many Caribbean countries have been the victim of natural disasters and Guyana, in recent years has been greatly affected by heavy rainfall which has caused floods countrywide. Despite this, Guyana has still been able to produce a steady supply of vegetables and staples.
The GPSU also said focus needs to be placed on health education in order to create a working environment free from health hazards. It said the increase in water borne diseases due to contaminated water is cause for concern and campaigns that support the protection of water supply should be treated as a matter of great importance.
