St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Meets with PAHO Director to Discuss Public Health Challenges

Bilateral Talks Focus on Strengthening Public Health Systems in Small Island Developing States

Prime Minister and Minister of Health Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, and Dr. Jarbas Barbisa da Silva, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO), met on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the PAHO Headquarters in Washington DC.

The bilateral meeting, held on the sidelines of the 61st PAHO Directing Council, highlighted the urgent need to fortify public health systems across Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Prime Minister Dr. Drew emphasized the importance of resilience, stating that “Health is at the core of our nation’s development. Strengthening our health systems not only ensures the well-being of our citizens but also enhances our ability to respond to crises, particularly as we face the growing threats posed by climate change.”

The discussions also underscored the critical challenges facing SIDS, such as climate-related health impacts, the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and access to quality services. Prime Minister Dr. Drew highlighted St. Kitts and Nevis’ efforts to improve healthcare delivery through digital health initiatives, the building of a smart hospital, expanded healthcare training, and partnerships aimed at improving disease prevention and control.

Dr. Barbisa da Silva reaffirmed PAHO’s commitment to supporting the government’s health agenda, stating that PAHO would continue to provide technical assistance in areas such as pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage, and combating the growing prevalence of NCDs. He further acknowledged the strides made by St. Kitts and Nevis in healthcare innovation and capacity building, noting that these efforts are crucial to improving the overall health and well-being of the population.

Prime Minister Dr. Drew also used the opportunity to call for stronger regional collaboration in tackling the shared health challenges of the Caribbean, with a focus on building resilient and inclusive health systems that leave no one behind.

Conclusion

The bilateral meeting marked a significant step in deepening the relationship between St. Kitts and Nevis and PAHO, with both parties agreeing on continued cooperation to advance the health and wellness agenda of the nation. Prime Minister Dr. Drew was joined in the meeting by Dr. Hazel Laws, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Chief Medical Officer.

FAQs

Q: What was the focus of the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew and Dr. Jarbas Barbisa da Silva?
A: The meeting focused on strengthening public health systems in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and addressing the critical challenges facing these countries, including climate-related health impacts, non-communicable diseases, and improved healthcare infrastructure.

Q: What were the key takeaways from the meeting?
A: The meeting highlighted the importance of resilience, the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and access to quality services, and the importance of regional collaboration in tackling shared health challenges.

Q: What is PAHO’s commitment to supporting the government’s health agenda?
A: PAHO has committed to providing technical assistance in areas such as pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage, and combating the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases.