Kingston, Jamaica, October 6, 2021 (PAHO/WHO) – Mr. Ian Stein has been appointed Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) / World Health Organization (WHO) representative to Jamaica, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands effective September 15, 2021. He is based in Kingston, Jamaica.
Mr. Stein possesses substantial experience in developing and maintaining partnerships for health, the management of health crises and a broad range of public health topics including, immunization, early child health, health promotion, environmental health and HIV/AIDS. Since joining PAHO in 2004, he has served in key leadership roles, including, Senior Advisor in External Relations and Partnerships, Deputy Incident Manager for the Americas for COVID-19. Deputy Incident Manager for the Americas for the Zika virus and Incident Manager in Venezuela.
Mr. Stein was also critical to the PAHO/WHO response to the Ebola outbreak. He served as interim Chief of Staff to WHO’s Assistant Director General for Emergencies Response, pertaining to the WHO’s response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Coordinator for Emergency Medical Teams as a part of the WHO’s Ebola response in Sierra Leone.
“We are living in unprecedented times where global health is a top priority. I am therefore keen to continue the important work of the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization in Jamaica, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands,” said Mr. Stein.
He continued, “I am committed to working closely with the Ministries of Health, stakeholders and partners to support local health priorities and advance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals relating to the health agenda.”
Mr. Stein presented his credentials to the Government of Jamaica on Tuesday, September 28.
A Canadian national, Mr. Stein began his career in 1989 within the Evaluation Division of Global Affairs Canada. He went on to become Program Officer for the Nigerian Environmental Study Action Team, Program Coordinator for the Canadian Public Health Association’s international programs, and, Head of Delegation and Project Director for the Canadian Red Cross Society, stationed in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
As the incoming Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization representative to Jamaica, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, Stein will lead the Organizations’ collaboration with Ministries of Health. His highest priorities include the COVID-19 response, strengthening health systems, preventing non-communicable diseases, implementing the Organization’s communicable disease elimination agenda, and bolstering maternal child health.
