Suriname

Since the mid-2000s, AFD has been helping to improve healthcare services in Suriname and supporting bilateral cooperation between France and Suriname in the health and hospital sectors.

In light of infrastructure and equipment shortages and obsolescence, both in Paramaribo and the inland areas of the country, AFD is financing a program to modernize healthcare services. The following initiatives will help improve access to health care for the population: The construction of a 40-bed rural hospital in Albina, the rehabilitation of health centers along the Maroni River and the partial renewal of the technical platforms of the country’s main hospitals. 

AFD is also supporting the country in the prevention of epidemic diseases, which are particularly widespread in the border area linked to French Guyana. Implementing joint strategies between the two territories should improve epidemiological surveillance.

Water is an abundant resource in Suriname. The country has some of the highest quality water in the world. However, at present, the supply of drinking water depends largely on underground resources, including contained aquifers that are not refillable and which are vulnerable to rising water levels.

Suriname’s water authority provides drinking water to 98% of the population and has a good record of technical and commercial performance. Nevertheless, a response must be prepared to deal with the water supply challenges this authority is facing. In order to meet the growing demand, AFD is helping the water authority to increase its capacities and make the transition to sustainable water resources.To meet growing demand, AFD is helping the water authority to boost its capacities, improve service, and transition to sustainable water resources.

Sanitation is also a key issue. Untreated wastewater is being released into the natural environment and the country is experiencing strong urban growth.

Rainforest covers nearly 93% of the land surface, 91% of which is primary forest. This virgin forest is home to many species and hosts some of the richest biodiversity on the planet. But the forest is threatened by human activities such as gold panning and logging, whose management is not always sustainable. In addition, chemicals such as mercury are used for gold mining, leading to water and soil pollution and endangering indigenous populations.

A large part of the electricity produced in Suriname comes from fossil fuels or is generated by the Brokopondo hydroelectric power plant.
In 2018, the country launched a plan for the electrification of eastern Suriname, a network reinforcement program that will contribute to the economic and social development of the eastern part of the country.
Increasing the reliability and security of the electricity network, improving access to energy services and developing more low-carbon sectors will significantly improve the well-being of the population. AFD is supporting Suriname in the development of feasibility studies in this area.

Ninety-five percent of the waste produced in Suriname, including toxic and hazardous waste, remains untreated. It is dumped in open landfills where the health and environmental framework is weak or non-existent.

The production of waste is growing significantly along with population increase, causing huge health, environmental, and social impact.

To help Suriname better control its waste management, AFD is financing a study to evaluate practices in the capital and in the east of the country. This study will help identify suitable collection and treatment solutions to be co-built with Suriname.