Washington, DC, September 30, 2024 (SKNIS): In the face of mounting public health challenges in the Americas, the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, is actively participating in the 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The meeting, which commenced today, Monday, September 30, 2024, with an opening ceremony at PAHO Headquarters, brings together high-level health officials to discuss critical strategies for advancing health across the region.
The council convened amid ongoing concerns over health inequities, the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for more robust health systems to address current and future public health threats.
The ceremony was attended by Fernando Boyd Galindo, Minister of Health of Panama and outgoing President of the Directing Council; Loyce Pace, Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO.
Also present were prominent figures including Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS); Pablo Ibarrarán, Chief of the Social Protection and Health Division at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), addressed the council via video message.
Throughout the week, from September 30 to October 04, participants will analyze strategies, set priorities for regional cooperation, and shape policies aimed at fortifying healthcare systems. These efforts are pivotal as the region looks to recover from recent health crises and strengthen its ability to respond to future challenges.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew, known for his commitment to improving healthcare in St. Kitts and Nevis, will contribute to the discussions, sharing insights from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as the Head of Government responsible for Human Resource Development, Health and HIV/AIDS in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet. Dr. Drew is expected to advocate for enhanced technical cooperation to benefit small island developing states. His participation underscores the critical importance of regional collaboration in addressing the health needs of populations in the subregion and across the Americas.