Fenton: PAHO/WHO support vital to region

The original article can be found in: Jamaica Observer

HEALTH Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson has lauded the Pan American Health OrganiSation and the World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) for reaffirming their support to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries as they work to confront health challenges.

Addressing the 25th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) at PAHO headquarters in Washington DC last week, Minister Fenton said the support from the organisations is vital to the region continuing to provide the necessary health services to combat certain diseases.

Their assistance, he said, is also vital in strengthening capacity in complying with the health regulations, which govern how countries respond to outbreaks that may have international repercussions.

Minister Fenton, who is chairman of COHSOD, said the burden of HIV remains a concern in the Caribbean. He urged the countries to work to prevent new cases, especially among young people.

He also noted the importance of addressing non- communicable diseases (NCD) and praised the leadership that Caribbean countries have shown on this issue at the global level.

PAHO Director Carissa F Etienne, in her remarks, said that Caribbean countries have collaborated successfully in developing joint action plans in addressing issues such as HIV and NCDs.

She pledged that PAHO “will continue to work to promote a human rights agenda and towards a reduction of stigmatisation of (HIV) and those perceived as high risk.”

She added that PAHO/WHO’s strategic priorities for the next few years include advancing universal health coverage, reducing inequities in health between and within countries and territories, and addressing social determinants of health.

Dr Etienne also congratulated the region on the establishment of the new Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), with Dr Ferguson as its chair, saying the agency’s launch earlier this year was a milestone in health cooperation.

PAHO/WHO, which played a major supporting role in CARPHA’s establishment, will continue to work closely with and support the agency.

“This is an exciting time for public health in the Caribbean,” said the PAHO director. “The environment of public health is changing and we have an opportunity to shape it into something which will be of benefit and an example to the region as a whole,” she added.

The COHSOD meeting was part of the just concluded 52nd Directing Council meeting of PAHO, held in Washington DC from September 30 to October 4.

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