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Yesterday the year-end closing of the Medical Mission PHCS (MZ) Foundation in Suriname took place in a modified atmosphere, at the coordination center in Paramaribo. Several speakers, including the Foundation Board and the Association (MZWO) praised the way in which the staff, together with the communities in the interior, bridged this difficult year. In the annual speech of the Director, Herman Jintie, he indicated that MZ can look back on a year full of challenges but also blessings.
Keeping the COVID situation manageable in the Surinamese interior was the most challenging, but also getting funds available to do the regular work was not easy. Due to the difficult financial position of the government, MZ had to use 58% of the necessary subsidy for operating costs to try to maintain health care in the interior. This has resulted in shortages of drugs and medical consumables, deferred maintenance and fewer outreach activities, which have prevented communities from being adequately served.
The departure of the Cuban doctors has also left its mark on the local communities. With the support and help of local but also international organizations, MZ has tried to keep its head above water. The design and implementation of the electronic patient record with the support of the PAHO can be seen as one of the many positive developments of 2021.
The delivery of 11 Healthcare Assistants, the start of the construction of the Curuni Polyclinic and the control of the 2 malaria outbreaks in Palumeu and Tepoe can also be mentioned. After years, MZ has succeeded, with the support of the Ministry of Health (Malaria Programme), to start training for malaria microscopists. Contact with the communities in the interior has become closer thanks to the COVID pandemic and MZ and communities together will have to answer the many health-related questions.
MZ is entering the year 2022 with a new policy plan with the theme: survive and excel in challenging times through teamwork, focus and passion in applying MZ-integrated primary health care. The MZ would like to thank society and the government for the cooperation and the trust placed in it, but even more so for the staff who contributed to the results achieved in 2021.
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