CDB and IDB teams up to strengthen St Lucia’s healthcare sector amid COVID-19 challenges

As Saint Lucia continues to see a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has collaborated with the InterAmerican Bank (IDB) to address gaps in the country’s healthcare service capacity.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CBD) has collaborated with the InterAmerican Bank (IDB) to address gaps in the country’s healthcare service capacity. They launched a US$5.22 million project to enhance the healthcare system.

The funding of the project was provided under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) COVID-19 Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Line of Credit. 

It should be noted that this project has been launched to respond to current and emerging health security threats and will assist the nation in dealing with situations arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

These interventions focus on improving surveillance, case detection, and monitoring capabilities within the health system to reduce the transmission of diseases.

Additionally, the project will also facilitate access to protective equipment and other health resources for medical practitioners by improving and promoting health care delivery.

With this in mind, CDB’s Director of Projects – Theresa Turner-Jones, lauded the Government of Saint Lucia and its citizens for their tireless efforts to strengthen the country’s health sector following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We look forward to collaborative efforts to ensure that these projects are delivered effectively and efficiently, and we will work with stakeholders to ensure that we are on the same page. In this way, we will achieve development outcomes that will bolster Saint Lucia’s resilience”, added Director Turner. 

Minister of Health, Welfare and Elderly Affairs Moses JN Baptist revealed that the project will contribute to improving and enhancing the health sector of Saint Lucia. 

Furthermore, he said that the country is continuously enhancing its health facilities, especially focusing on the quality of medicines and medical equipment. As COVID-19 cases are increasing, the authorities ensure proper medical facilities for its citizens.

Moreover, the Chief of Operations at Inter-American Development Bank- Jean Eric Steinhardt, expressed his delight in their partnership with Saint Lucia.

“Congratulations to the Government of Saint Lucia for embarking on this project. We at the IDB, now more than ever, are pleased to partner with you to finance initiatives that deliver more effective results for the communities that are meant to benefit. This is the essence of our mission to improve lives”, added Steinhardt.

Notably, the government is providing free COVID-19 PCR and rapid tests at various wellness centres, community hospitals and polyclinics, and face masks are available at all public health facilities for the patients and for others as well.

The authorities remind the public that the country is currently in flu season, which runs from October to March. As such, they would like to encourage the use of the flu vaccine, which is available free of cost at various wellness centres.