Washington, DC, September 30, 2024 (SKNIS): The urgent need to fortify public health systems across Small Island Developing States (SIDS) took centre stage 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.
The bilateral meeting, held on the sidelines of the 61st PAHO Directing Council, also highlighted the matter of gun violence, which Prime Minister Dr. Drew deemed a serious public health crisis. He referenced the US Surgeon General’s perspective on addressing violence and emphasised that St. Kitts and Nevis, along with CARICOM, would be looking at crime and violence from a public health perspective. He noted that CARICOM will be placing this issue on its agenda and seeking PAHO’s assistance in pushing this forward.
The discussions also underscored the critical challenges facing SIDS, such as climate-related health impacts, the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and access to quality services.
Prime Minister Drew emphasised the importance of resilience.
“Health is at the core of our nation’s development. Strengthening our health systems not only ensures the well-being of our citizens but also enhances our ability to respond to crises, particularly as we face the growing threats posed by climate change,” said Dr. Drew.
During the bilateral, Prime Minister Dr. 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. Barbisa da Silva reaffirmed PAHO’s commitment to supporting the government’s health agenda, stating that PAHO would continue to provide technical assistance in areas such as pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage, and combating the growing prevalence of NCDs. He further acknowledged the strides made by St. Kitts and Nevis in healthcare innovation and capacity building, noting that these efforts are crucial to improving the overall health and well-being of the population.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew also used the opportunity to call for stronger regional collaboration in tackling the shared health challenges of the Caribbean, with a focus on building resilient and inclusive health systems that leave no one behind.
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.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew was joined in the meeting by Dr. Hazel Laws, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Chief Medical Officer.