Guyana is strengthening its fight against cardiovascular diseases through a regional quality improvement workshop focused on expanding the HEARTS Initiative and improving hypertension care across the Caribbean.
The three-day workshop, held in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), brought together healthcare professionals, quality improvement experts, and regional health representatives to share strategies for better prevention, detection, and treatment of heart-related conditions.
Since introducing the HEARTS Technical Package in 2019, Guyana has made major progress in expanding the programme. The initiative grew from eight primary healthcare facilities in 2021 to more than 250 facilities by 2026, making Guyana one of the leading countries in HEARTS implementation.
The programme focuses on evidence-based approaches to improve blood pressure control, strengthen healthcare delivery, and provide more coordinated patient care. Improvements include standardized clinical pathways, stronger reporting systems, and team-based healthcare models involving doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
The regional workshop brought together participants from Guyana and other Caribbean countries to build collaboration and address challenges in implementing cardiovascular health strategies. The discussions highlighted the importance of quality improvement practices, reliable data collection, and patient-centered care.
Health leaders emphasized that communication and education are essential for helping patients understand their conditions and follow treatment plans. The expansion of HEARTS also supports broader efforts to integrate cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic disease care into primary healthcare systems.
With continued support from PAHO/WHO, Guyana aims to strengthen its health system, improve hypertension management, and reduce the impact of cardiovascular diseases across the country and the wider Caribbean region.
