PAHO delegation officially visits St Kitts and Nevis.
THE PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANISATION (PAHO) REPRESENTATIVE FOR BARBADOS AND THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN, Dr. Amilia Del Riego, and some staff opened an official visit to St Kitts and Nevis Tuesday seen as a crucial step in strengthening the partnership between the two sides.
 Dr. Del Riego presented her credentials to the Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Dr. Terrance Drew, during a courtesy call, and also held brief discussions on areas of partnership between PAHO and the Basseterre administration.
Riego also presented her credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Denzil Douglas.
When her meeting with Ministry of Health officials, the two sides focused on strategies to improve healthcare services through enhanced capacity building, and the strengthening of health systems in the twin-island Federation.
Dr. Drew lauded PAHO for its commitment to supporting the country’s healthcare system, saying it looks forward to working closely with PAHO to implement the strategies discussed during the visit.
Additionally, the PAHO team attended the unveiling ceremony of a plaque at the Joseph N. France General Hospital which recognises the hospital’s outstanding achievement in the Baby Friendly Initiative which promotes breastfeeding and optimal infant feeding practices.
The hospital’s staff and management were commended for their dedication to improving maternal and child health outcomes on the 261 Km2 Caribbean nation.
PAHO also promised to help promote and protect the health and well-being of mothers and babies in the country.
During the visit, the team handed over a PCR machine to the laboratory at the Joseph N. France General Hospital.
The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine is a valuable addition to the hospital’s laboratory, and will significantly improve the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities for various infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
While there, the PAHO delegation visited the Mental Health Day Treatment Centre and was impressed with the quality of its care to patients. They commended the staff for their dedication to improving mental health outcomes in St. Kitts and Nevis and pledged continued support for the country’s mental health initiatives.
Dr. Riego and her delegation met with PM Dr. Drew where they focused on the Health Systems Agenda, specifically the National Health Insurance Plan and Plans for a new Smart Hospital on St. Kitts.
The two sides reiterated their commitment to working together to ensure the successful implementation of both initiatives, which will significantly improve access to healthcare services for all Basseterre residents.
Dr. Del Riego was accompanied by Mrs. Patrica Cabrejo, Administrator; Dr. Solange Kobi-Jackson, Advisor – Health Across the Life Course; Dr. Guillermo Sandoval, Advisor, Health Economics and Financing, and Ms. Anneke Wilson, Country Programme Specialist.
