Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, Director of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), arrived in the Bahamas on Wednesday July 15th, commencing a three-day official visit to the Bahamas. This marks Dr. Etienne's first official visit to the country since the start of her five-year term as PAHO/WHO Director on February 1st, 2013.
Country poised to greatly benefit from the Director's expertise and knowledge during visit. Aim to strengthen areas for collaboration and support between PAHO/WHO and the Government of The Bahamas.
Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, Director of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), arrived in the Bahamas on Wednesday July 15th, commencing a three-day official visit to the Bahamas. This marks Dr. Etienne's first official visit to the country since the start of her five-year term as PAHO/WHO Director on February 1st, 2013.
The Director, accompanied by her Chief of Staff, Dr. Merle Lewis and PAHO/WHO Country Representative Dr. Gerry Eijkemans will participate in a series of high level meetings with Ministers and select stakeholders. A key focus of the visit will relate to Universal Access and Universal Health Coverage. This visit is particularly significant given the Government's pledge to commence a phased implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI) beginning in 2016. Dr. Etienne's significant expertise as a global leader in advancing Universal Health Coverage is well known. The Director will also address a variety of key national issues including Chemical Events/Incident Roadmaps, and Millennium Development and Sustainable Development Goals.
Other highlights of the Director's visit will include a reception held on Thursday evening, as well as official tours of the Critical Care Block at PMH, and the South Beach Health Centre, Primary Health Care Clinic on Friday.
The Director and Minister of Health, as well as other key officials, will be available to address the media on Friday July 15th, 2015 during a press conference to be held at the Ministry of Health beginning at 12:15pm.
Photo (L-R): Dr. Gerry Eijkemans, PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR) to The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dr. Merle Lewis, Chief of Staff to PAHO/WHO Director, Mr. Marco Rolle, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, Director, PAHO/WHO, and Dr. Glen Beneby, Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health welcome Dr. Etienne to The Bahamas at the Lynden Pindling International Airport.
About PAHO/WHO
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is an international public health agency with more than 100 years of experience in working to improve health and living standards of the countries of the Americas. It serves as the specialized organization for health of the Inter-American System. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and enjoys international recognition as part of the United Nations system.
About PAHO/WHO in The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands
The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) was first established in The Bahamas in 1978 as a sub-regional office of the Jamaica Office. By 1982, it was upgraded to a full Country Office Status.
Since then, an important and healthy relationship has evolved, and although the priorities have shifted, PAHO/WHO has enjoyed a long history of engaging and supporting the Bahamas and Turks Caicos to ensure better health and quality of life of the general population.
