Roseau, Dominica, 5 February 2020 (PAHO/WHO) - On 5 February 2020, Dr Yitades Gebre, PWR-ECC presented his credentials to Hon Dr Kenneth Darroux, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The presentation took place at the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the capital Roseau.
Minister Darroux welcomed the newly appointed PWR-ECC to Dominica. He highlighted the long-term relationship between the Government of Dominica and PAHO, expressing gratitude for the technical collaboration and support received over the years. The Minister also spoke about the new challenges and concerns of the 2019 novel coronavirus that could pose some economic and social disruption in this small island state and the need for preparedness. He emphasized climate change and its impact on health and in general emerging and re-emerging diseases. He also acknowledged the support received from PAHO with the SMART health facilities to make them disaster resilient and energy efficient. Minister of Health, Wellness and New Investment, Dr Irving McIntyre, also extended appreciation for smarting of health facilities and the great work done at the Portsmouth clinic.
The ministers and the PWR-ECC further discussed:
- Health sector reform for implementation of new model of care and governance, financing on the Health Systems and Services assessment done by PAHO, which was accepted by Cabinet.
- Strengthening information systems for health
- Technical cooperation to strengthen health systems and services
- Preparations for responding to health emergencies and resilience
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hon Edward Registe also expressed his concern about the coronavirus and asked about the support PAHO would be providing to the country. In response, Dr Gebre said that PAHO will accelerate the country preparedness and response capacity by providing guidance, tools and training of health personnel and laboratory diagnostic materials for the novel coronavirus. He noted that a high-level trainer is scheduled to visit Dominica the 13-14 February to support training of laboratory personnel.
In closing, Dr Gebre emphasized PAHO’s continued support to Dominica and encouraged them to work assiduously at the elimination of Mother to Child transmission of HIV and syphilis and recertification after being validated.
Following presentation of his credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Gebre participated in a 2-day Biennial Work Planning (BWP) meeting in Dominica with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Investment team and health officials.
