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# Bilateral Talks Between St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and PAHO Director
## Focus on Strengthening Public Health Systems in St. Kitts and Nevis and CARICOM
The urgent need to fortify public health systems in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) was underscored during bilateral talks between Prime Minister and Minister of Health of St. Kitts and Nevis, 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), on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the PAHO Headquarters in Washington DC.
## Key Discussion Points
During the bilateral meeting, Dr. Drew highlighted the impact of gun violence as a serious public health crisis. He referenced the US Surgeon General’s perspective on addressing violence and emphasized the importance of addressing crime and violence from a public health perspective. Dr. da Silva reaffirmed PAHO’s commitment to supporting St. Kitts and Nevis’ health agenda and praised the country’s progress in healthcare innovation and capacity building.
## Addressing Regional Challenges
Prime Minister Drew emphasized the importance of resilience and the need to improve healthcare infrastructure and access to quality services in response to climate-related health impacts, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and other critical challenges facing SIDS.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Drew also 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. He stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration with PAHO in addressing health inequalities and preparing the country for emerging health threats.
Dr. da Silva welcomed Prime Minister Drew’s invitation for stronger regional collaboration and praised St. Kitts and Nevis’ innovative approaches to healthcare. “PAHO is committed to supporting the government’s health agenda and will continue to provide technical assistance in areas such as pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage, and combating the growing prevalence of NCDs.”
## 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. The meeting highlighted the commitment of both parties to prioritizing public health, health equity, and climate action to build resilient and inclusive health systems that leave no one behind.
### Frequently Asked Questions
1. What were the main objectives of the bilateral talks?
The main objectives of the bilateral talks were to strengthen public health systems in St. Kitts and Nevis and CARICOM, address the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States, and promote collaboration in the region.
2. What are the critical health challenges facing SIDS?
Small Island Developing States are faced with critical health challenges, including climate-related health impacts, non-communicable diseases, and lack of access to quality health services.
3. How will PAHO support the health agenda of St. Kitts and Nevis?
PAHO has reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical assistance to St. Kitts and Nevis in areas such as pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage, and combating NCDs.
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