PM Terrance Drew meets PAHO Director to address health challenges in Caribbean region

The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew met Dr. Jarbas Barbosa da Silva, Director of the Pan American Health Organization and held a productive meeting aimed at curbing health challenges faced by the Caribbean region.

The meeting was conducted on sidelines of the 61st PAHO Directing Council. St Kitts and Nevis is currently participating and serving as General Committee of the 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) at its Headquarters in Washington, DC.

He was joined by Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hazel Laws and Director of Community Health Services, Dr. Sheneil Isles in his meeting.

The delegates highlighted on various topics that have become a cause of concern for the Small Island Developing States. Climate-change, non-communicable disease, and the requirement for improved healthcare infrastructure were the topics that were highlighted during the meeting in order to provide quality healthcare services.

While sharing glimpses of their meeting, PM Terrance Drew stated that it was productive, focusing on important matters such as addressing violence as a public health issue and tackling the health challenges faced by Small Island Developing States.

During his interaction with the Director of PAHO, PM Drew called health department, the core of the nation’s development. While sharing the benefits of the enhanced health system, he stated that it not only ensures the well-being of the citizens but also enhances their ability to respond crisis like climate change.

Moreover, PM Drew emphasized several significant measures being implemented by the administration of St Kitts and Nevis towards improving healthcare services. He added that the building of a smart hospital, expanded healthcare training, and global partnerships will play a huge role in helping them prevent the spreading of non-communicable disease and offering the citizens with the best and immediate healthcare services.

He also shed light on the significance of collaboration with PAHO and stated that this partnership would prove to be huge benefit for addressing health inequalities and preparing the country for emerging health threats.

The Prime Minister referred this meeting  “a significant step” towards advancing the health and wellness agenda of the nation.

The Director of Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Barbisa da Silva also reiterated his commitment to continue to support the health agenda of the government of the island nation. He ensured to continue to assist the country in various areas including pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage with a primary motive of curbing the growing prevalence of Non-Communicable Disease.