WHO Director-General pays courtesy call to Trinidad and Tobago

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: The Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, paid a courtesy call to the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith Rowley.

According to the Ministry of Health of Trinidad and Tobago, following an invitation extended on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on June 14, 2023, for a two-day courtesy visit.

The visit began with the Director-General’s virtual participation on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Ministerial Conference, which is being held in Barbados. Dr Tedros participated in a panel discussion along with the Secretary General of the Commonwealth. Patricia Scotland and the Minister of Health, the Terrence Deyal Singh.

WHO Director-General expressed gratitude for meeting with the CSG Patricia Scotland and took Twitter to share a glimpse of his meeting with the CSG. “Glad to meet with my sister Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General.”

He added, “We discussed progress made to advance our work to Beat NCDs, control malaria, and climate action among Commonwealth countries, especially Small Island Developing States. Together, for #HealthForAll.”

On the request of the Minister of Health, the Director General’s itinerary included a visit to the Diego Martin Health Centre on Thursday for a tour of the newly established Diabetes Wellness Centre and Diabetes Foot Management Clinic, accompanied by Minister Deyal Singh and staff of the North West Regional Health Authority.

On Friday morning, Dr Tedros visited the Red House and paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the House, Bridgid Annisette-George. Dr Tedros, Minister Deyal Singh and clients of the North West Regional Health Authority’s Diabetes Wellness Clinic participated in an aerobics session followed by a tour of the Rotunda Gallery, ending with a cultural display and entertainment.

As per the update by the Health Ministry, Dr Tedros thanked Minister Deyal Singh for his hospitality and gave his commendation to the country for its efforts toward the reduction of Non-Communicable Diseases. The Director General added that the World Health Organisation remains committed to providing support to the country as a member state of the organisation.