World Pediatric Project (WPP) continues its support of the children and families in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. On August 26, 2021, a large donation was made to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment (MOHWE), including three major supplies and equipment tranches. The presentation took place at the Central Medical Store, the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, and the Central Disaster Unit in Stoney Ground.
At the handovers, the Executive Director of WPP, Lauren McIntosh, presented the items to representatives from the respective departments. Present were Manager of Central Medical Stores, Steve Millington; Health Nursing Supervisor, Sister Glenderine Brown; Communication Officer, Neeka Anderson-Isaac; Health Disaster Coordinator, Nicholette Davis; and Senior Political Advisor from the Canadian High Commission, Jessica Mackie.
The donations of the medical and health supplies to the MOHWE were facilitated by contributions from various donors and in particular funding received from the Canada Fund of Local Initiatives (CFLI). On behalf of WPP, Ms. McIntosh expressed that she was "delighted to come to the aid of Vincentians in times of need, and trust that the items will go a long way to offer some level of comfort, care, and safety."
In a correspondence to the WPP, the Permanent Secretary, MOWHE, Cuthbert Knights, expressed gratitude for their valuable contribution. "The items will offer considerable support to health care personnel employed with the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in response to the volcanic eruptions that occurred on the Island throughout the month of April 2021. The pharmaceuticals will be of tremendous value to patients receiving healthcare treatment within our facilities," said Knights.
Among the items donated were Isolation Gowns, Face Shields, Surgical caps, Surgical masks, Shoe covers, Hand Sanitizer, Alcohol prep pads, JnJ Medical Mission Packs. Additionally, there were four portable ventilators.Throughout the pandemic, WPP has made multiple donations across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These efforts have intensified since April 2021, following the explosive eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano. WPP will be welcoming the return of surgical teams to SVG in September 2021.