China-funded Health Promotion Center offers free health tests, fitness facilities
Health
August 15, 2026
A new China-funded Health Promotion Center at the Ministry of Health in Georgetown is offering free health testing and fitness facilities has been commissioned as cooperation between the two countries expands beyond clinical care into disease prevention and public health
The facility was officially opened on August 11 by Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony and Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yang Yang. Representatives of the 21st Chinese Medical Team, AGM Inc. and Shandong Hi-Speed Dejian also attended
Ambassador Yang described the centre as a “meaningful milestone” in China-Guyana health cooperation and a reflection of the two countries’ commitment to improving public well-being
The centre, which is open to the public free of charge, consists of a self-service health corner and a professional fitness area
The health corner is equipped with smart testing devices and rapid test kits for common infectious diseases, intended to support early detection and intervention. The fitness area provides equipment suitable for people of different ages and is aimed at encouraging regular exercise and healthier lifestyles
Yang said health cooperation has been one of the most practical and people-centred aspects of relations between Guyana and China
She pointed to 33 years of service by Chinese medical teams in Guyana, the construction of six regional hospitals and the training of Guyanese doctors in China as examples of that partnership
“Building on 33 years of dedicated service by the Chinese Medical Team, the construction of six Regional Hospitals, and the training of numerous Guyanese doctors in China, our cooperation is now expanding into new areas, with greater emphasis on public health and preventive care,” Yang said
The Ambassador also disclosed that cooperation has expanded into research and the management of non-communicable diseases
Last year, a Chinese public health expert joined Guyana’s Ministry of Health as part of the 21st Chinese Medical Team for the first time
Since then, Yang said, Guyanese and Chinese health officials have collaborated to design and organise Guyana’s first nationwide research initiative on chronic diseases and nutritional status
The two sides have also worked on developing national guidelines for the management of diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease
Yang said the new centre represents another stage in a health partnership that has grown from providing clinical services and medical training to supporting infrastructure and public health initiatives
She said she expects the facility to contribute to Guyana’s efforts to establish a more accessible, inclusive and sustainable healthcare system while encouraging greater public awareness about healthy living
“I hope it will serve not only as a facility for the public, but also as a new symbol of the evolving China-Guyana health partnership—one that places prevention, well-being and people’s health at its core,” Yang said
Anthony thanked China for its support and highlighted the importance of the facility in raising public health awareness and promoting healthier lifestyles
He encouraged Guyanese to make use of the centre and to develop healthier habits through regular exercise
Yang said China remained ready to work with Guyana to deliver further tangible benefits, particularly in public health and well-being
“Let us make full use of this Center, to promote healthier lifestyles, strengthen public health cooperation, and make greater contributions to building a healthier Guyana,” she said
