French Guiana, a territory unique in its biodiversity, multiculturalism and young population, faces major health challenges. Between neglected tropical diseases, chronic pathologies and an insufficient density of health professionals, the healthcare system, concentrated mainly on the coast, struggles to meet all the needs of its population. In this context, the “Guyane Santé 2030” project marks a decisive turning point for the future of research and public health in the region.
A health ecosystem in full evolution
French Guiana already has a dynamic and multidisciplinary health ecosystem, based on research structures such as the University of French Guiana, the Pasteur Institute and the Research Institute for Development (IRD). However, the planned creation of the University Hospital Center (CHU) in 2025 and the Joint Research Unit (UMR) in “population health in the Amazon” under the aegis of INSERM, will strengthen this ecosystem. The objective is to pool efforts to address specific health issues in tropical environments, while offering career opportunities to researchers.
The challenges of tropical health research
Despite these advances, French Guiana still faces significant obstacles. Funding for research is particularly complex, due in particular to the lack of support for neglected tropical diseases, which are often overlooked by major international funding programs. Research in French Guiana must also face competition from France that is better equipped and structured, making access to funding even more difficult.
The “Guyane Santé 2030” call for projects: a springboard for research
It is in this context that the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Guyana, in partnership with the University of Guyana, is launching the call for projects “Guyane Santé 2030”. This program aims to finance postdoctoral scholarships for priority research projects, meeting the specific needs of the territory. At the heart of this system: support for the training of young researchers, whether they are already established in Guyana or wish to settle there. The proposed scholarships, lasting from 12 to 36 months, will allow researchers to carry out ambitious projects in collaboration with local and international research units.
Priority themes to meet the needs of Guyana
The research themes are in line with the territory’s health priorities, as defined by the Regional Health Project and the Medical Project prefiguring the future CHU. Among them: infectious and tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, chronic diseases (cardiovascular, neurovascular, diabetes, etc.), as well as maternal, child and newborn health. Other topics such as reducing health inequalities, mental health and traditional pharmacopoeia will also be explored.
A promising future for research in Guyana
By funding at least five postdoctoral fellowships per year, “Guyane Santé 2030” not only stimulates research; it also contributes to structuring a more resilient health system adapted to local specificities. This program embodies a long-term vision for public health in Guyana, where the results of scientific research will contribute to improving the living conditions of local populations. Supporting the careers of future doctors and university researchers is essential to ensure a promising future, where health in Guyana will no longer be a challenge, but a model of resilience and innovation.
In short, the “Guyane Santé 2030” call for projects is presented as a strategic response to the pressing needs of health research in a territory which, more than ever, requires innovative solutions adapted to its unique context.
