Last Updated on October 1, 2024, 2:54 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Washington, DC: Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew met and engaged in bilateral discussion with the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO-WHO PAHO Caribbean), Dr Jarbas Barbisa da Silva.
PM Drew shared the glimpses of their meet on his official Facebook account and noted that on the afternoon of September 30th, he had the pleasure of meeting with Dr Jarbas Barbosa at thee PAHO Headquarters in Washington DC.
Significantly, the meeting was held on the sidelines of the 61st PAHO Directing Council and the Prime Minister was joined by Dr Hazel laws, St Kitts and Nevis’ Chief Medical Officer.
The primary topic of discussion between the key authorities was the urgent need to strengthen public health systems across Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The meeting also emphasised on discussions of crucial matters such as addressing gun violence as a public health issue and tackling the health challenges faced by the SIDS.
The Health Minister also gave the reference of the US Surgeon General’s perspective on addressing violence and stressed on the factor that St Kitts and Nevis, together with CARICOM, would look at the crime and violence from a public health perspective.
Notably, the CARICOM will be putting this vital issue on its agenda and will seek PAHO’s assistance in stepping on it.
As shared by Prime Minister Drew on his social media, the bilateral discussions also highlighted the challenges faced by SIDS, such as climate-related health impacts, burden of non-communicable diseases, and the urgency for improved healthcare infrastructure and access to quality services.
In addition to these discussions alone, PM Terrance Drew also underscored the St Kitts and Nevis’ continued efforts in improving the healthcare delivery through digital health initiatives and building new smart hospitals.
Director Dr Barbisa da Silva reiterated PAHO’s commitment to support the government’s health agenda noting that PAHO will continue to provide technical assistance in areas such as the universal health coverage, pandemic preparedness, et al.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
