On November 18th., 2021, PAHO/WHO together with the Ministry of Health hosted the inaugural ceremony which introduced the project to Evaluate and Strengthen the Essential Public Health Functions in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Invitees at the meeting were stakeholders of the National, Health Authority,, including representatives of government, non-government organizations, and the private sector.
As presented by dr. Gabriel Vivas, Health Systems Advisor, PAHOWHO Bahamas, the objectives of the conference were to:
- Present the highlights of the conceptual framework of the new EPHF
- Share the phases and tools for the EPHF assessment
- To inform stakeholders of the next steps in the Institutional Mapping and Situational Analysis Phase,
Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Phillip Swann, gave remarks, on behalf of the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Michael Darville. In his Address Dr. Darville conveyed sincere appreciation to The Director of PAHO/WHO, in her absence, Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Rep. (PWR), Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands and representatives of the PAHO/WHO, Washington Office, for their support. The Minister also pledged the full cooperation of the Ministry, his statements, clearly enunciated that, this project is taking place at a time which facilitates the priority goals of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. He therefore, encouraged the team to stay the course and maintain the set timelines.
After remarks by Dr. Eldonna Boisson, Dr. Ernesto Bascolo, HSS/HS WDC, PAHO/WHO presented on, “An Overview of the EPHF Assessment Framework” and, Ms. Natalia Houghton, WDC, PAHO/WHO enlightened stakeholders on the ”EPHF Phases & Instruments.”
Further to this event, focus group meetings are scheduled to take place November 22 -29, 2021. The responses of the focus groups will inform the report pertaining to Phase 1 of the project, Institutional Mapping and Situational Analysis, which is due for completion by the end of December, 2021.
Dr. Cherita Moxey, moderator for the meeting, correctly and eloquently reminded all participants of the end result of this project. Stakeholders are diligently and earnestly working for The Bahamas to realize a stronger health system, which protects the health of the nation and provides equitable access to quality health care for the entire population in every nook of our beautiful archipelago. We know that to achieve this goal of affordable, accessible, optimal health care for all, will take all of us doing our part in perfect harmony.
