PAHO Representative Meets with Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: 

 The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, received a courtesy call from the PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Dr Amalia Del Riego, and Country Programme Specialist for St Kitts and Nevis, Anneke Wilson, on March 7, 2023. This visit aimed to enhance collaboration in the field of health between the twin-island federation and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).

The meeting which took place at the Prime Minister's Office was attended by Dr Sharon Archibald, Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry, and Dr Hazel Laws, Chief Medical Officer, along with other ministers of the St Kitts and Nevis government. It provided an opportunity to discuss various health-related matters and explore avenues for future partnerships and cooperation.

As part of their visit, PAHO/WHO and government officials also paid a visit to the Joseph N France General Hospital, where they participated in the Unveiling of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Plaque, the Official handover of the PCR Machine, and took a tour of the Mental Health Treatment Centre. These initiatives highlight the commitment of both PAHO/WHO and the St Kitts and Nevis government to improving healthcare services and promoting the well-being of the population.

Following the meeting with Prime Minister Drew, Dr Del Riego proceeded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she presented her Letter of Credentials to Dr Denzil Llewellyn Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs. This gesture signifies the continued dedication of PAHO/WHO to fostering strong partnerships with national governments and working together to address health challenges effectively.

It is worth noting that Prime Minister Drew had previously attended the 30th Pan American Sanitary Conference of PAHO and the 74th Session of the Regional Committee of WHO for The Americas, held from September 26th to 30th, 2022, in Washington DC, USA. These events provided an important platform for discussing regional health priorities and sharing best practices to advance public health outcomes.

The visit of PAHO/WHO representatives to St Kitts and Nevis represents a significant step in strengthening the collaboration between the twin-island federation and the international health organization. It underscores the commitment of both parties to working together towards achieving universal health coverage, addressing health inequalities, and improving the overall health and well-being of the people of St Kitts and Nevis.

About PAHO/WHO:

The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is an international public health agency working to improve health and living standards of the people of the Americas. It serves as the regional office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American System.