The European Union and Guyana have strengthened cooperation in health and pharmaceutical development through new agreements worth a combined €8.9 million under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative.
Two Memoranda of Understanding were signed between Guyana’s Ministry of Health, BioPark Charleroi, and Expertise France, aimed at strengthening pharmaceutical production capacity, health workforce training, and regulatory standards.
The €8.9 million investment supports the rollout of the PharmaNext programme, including the development of a science and innovation hub focused on the pharmaceutical value chain, biotechnology, and medical technologies in partnership with BioPark Charleroi, as well as a €3.9 million programme with Expertise France to enhance health workforce capabilities in specialised areas including oncology, diabetes, organ transplants, and biomedical equipment.
European Commission Deputy Director-General for International Partnerships Martin Seychell, who visited Guyana as part of a wider Caribbean mission, said the initiative reflects a shift toward building resilient health systems rather than traditional aid.
“Strong and secure health systems are built in advance of crises,” Seychell said, adding that the partnership aims to improve regulation, skills, and regional cooperation to ensure equitable access to healthcare.
The agreements form part of the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda, which promotes “Team Europe” investments in infrastructure, institutional strengthening, and digital health.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali said Guyana is seeking “ambitious partnerships” that go beyond financing to include technology transfer, expertise, and investment-ready projects across energy, infrastructure, agro-processing, and digital development.
During the visit, Seychell also met senior officials including President Ali and Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony to discuss broader cooperation in digital transformation, maritime connectivity, and energy integration.
