PAHO and OECS launch two health projects

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) officially launched two major Cooperation among Countries for Health Development (CCHD) projects during the 10th OECS Council of Ministers of Health Meeting held in Dominica under the theme, “Beyond Borders: Breaking Barriers and Empowering Change in Healthcare Access and Delivery”. ​

These projects, respectively entitled- “Disease Elimination in the OECS between the PAHO/WHO Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries and the Ministries of Health of OECS Member States”, and “Better Care for NCDs between the PAHO/WHO Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries and the Ministries of Health of OECS Member States”, emanate from the PAHO Director’s flagship initiatives on Disease Elimination and Better Care for NCDs, a PAHO release states.

Key speakers at the event included: Head of the Human and Social Division, OECS, Sisera Simon; Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries; Vincent Wheatley, outgoing Chair of the OECS Council of Health Ministers and Minister for Health and Social Development of Virgin Islands; and Cassanni Laville, Incoming Chair of the OECS Council of Health Ministers and Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services of Dominica.

In her address, Sisera Simon emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, stating, “The OECS Commission looks forward to deepening our technical cooperation as this initiative is well aligned with the OECS’ strategic priorities and regional health priorities with a particular focus on prevention and primary care for non-communicable diseases. Our goal is clear, to reduce the prevalence of NCDs, improve health outcomes and ultimately enhance the quality of life for all citizens across our region.”

Dr. Amalia Del Riego highlighted the significance of the event, calling it “a symbolic celebration of renewed partnerships in collaboration with the OECS.” She provided a brief background to the two PAHO funded projects, outlining key milestones achieved by OECS countries in their efforts to eliminate diseases and address the burden of NCDs.

Dr. Del Riego further emphasized, “This is about passion, leadership, and the willingness to unite and come together for the good of the people, hence the theme for the implementation of the projects: ‘United to Advance Health and Wellness’, while strengthening collaboration between the OECS and PAHO.”

Outgoing Chair, Vincent Wheatley expressed pride in the progress made under his tenure in advancing regional cooperation for health and development. He stated, “I look forward to supporting the incoming Chair, ensuring that the initiatives continue to grow. I am confident that with our collective dedication and the solid foundation we have laid, these projects will continue to thrive, delivering even greater impact in the years ahead”.

Incoming Chair, Cassanni Laville pledged to continue strengthening health systems across the OECS region, stating, “One of the things we must look at is to foster innovation wherever possible and to collaborate. This is the spirit in which we are here to foster that spirit of collaboration, build synergies, and leverage upon what is already working for us. When I consider what we are all about, generally it is the same thing: a better livelihood for our people, equitable access, better quality of health, and improved health care outcomes.”

These CCHD projects focus on two critical areas: Disease Elimination- aimed at eliminating diseases and conditions that continue to affect the OECS countries and territories; and

Better Care for NCDs- focused on improving care for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, which are leading causes of mortality.

Both projects aim to foster sustainable development through stronger primary health care-based health systems, collaboration among countries, and the promotion of inclusive and integrated healthcare strategies across the region. The launch was marked by the symbolic unveiling of a plaque to commemorate this important milestone. As the event concluded, attendees committed to the advancement of these initiatives by writing their pledges on a pledge tree symbolizing the shared responsibility to drive these initiatives forward and enhance health and well-being for all citizens in the region.