US SOUTHCOM’s Humanitarian Mission in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas.

Mission Overview

The United States Air Force Southern Command (US SOUTHCOM) Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) has successfully concluded its latest humanitarian mission in Saint Kitts and Nevis, making a profound impact on the healthcare landscape in the Federation. The mission, which ran from March 24 to April 04, 2025, brought together a team of dedicated healthcare professionals who provided essential medical services to citizens and residents across the country, showcasing the strength of international collaboration and the transformative power of service.

Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas.

Key Achievements

The mission was bolstered by a cohort of specialists from the Republic of China (Taiwan) who worked alongside the visiting professionals and local personnel to deliver healthcare services to citizens. Over the span of two weeks, the LAMAT team delivered specialised medical care in the areas of emergency medicine, neonatal and pediatric care, ICU and critical care, dentistry, pharmacy, audiology, physiotherapy, family medicine, radiology, diabetes education, and nutrition.

Through these efforts, more than 2,130 patients were treated, and 135 surgeries were performed. Additionally, 21 critical pieces of medical equipment were repaired, saving the government thousands of dollars in replacement costs and further enhancing the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

Capacity Building and Community Engagement

A particularly notable aspect of this year’s mission was the capacity-building component. LAMAT facilitated over 31 hours of educational sessions, providing invaluable training for local emergency room staff, surgical teams, and intensive care professionals. A new addition to this year’s mission was the introduction of a Community Health Fair, held from April 02-03 at the Newtown Community Center. The fair provided free consultations and health screenings to the public, directly bringing vital healthcare services to the community.

Conclusion

Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, praised the mission as a celebration of the outstanding contributions of LAMAT to Saint Kitts and Nevis’ medical advancement. He also emphasised the enduring relationship between the Federation and its diplomatic partners, the United States of America and the Republic of China (Taiwan). The success of the LAMAT mission demonstrates the power of international cooperation and collaboration in improving healthcare outcomes and building capacity in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the duration of the LAMAT mission in Saint Kitts and Nevis? The mission ran from March 24 to April 04, 2025.
How many patients were treated during the mission? More than 2,130 patients were treated during the mission.
What areas of medical care were covered by the LAMAT team? The team delivered specialised medical care in the areas of emergency medicine, neonatal and pediatric care, ICU and critical care, dentistry, pharmacy, audiology, physiotherapy, family medicine, radiology, diabetes education, and nutrition.
What was the outcome of the Community Health Fair? The fair provided free consultations and health screenings to the public, with 117 patients seen over the course of the two-day event.