Climate change, epidemic-warning systems, pooled procurement, tobacco control and chronic diseases were on the agenda last week when Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley led a Virgin Islands delegation to the 61st Pan-American Health Organisation Directing Council in Washington DC.
The five-day event, which started Sept. 30 and wrapped up on Friday, drew high-level health officials from across the Americas to discuss strategies aimed at strengthening the health sector in the hemisphere, according to government.
The discussions were also designed to help set priorities for technical cooperation and other collaboration between PAHO and member states for the upcoming years.
“Attending these high-level meetings is critical for addressing some of the pressing health challenges faced by the people of the Virgin Islands,” Mr. Wheatley said. “These include care in remote locations, emerging and remerging health threats, high cost of healthcare, the need to refocus primary health care, climate resilience of the health sector, and lack of integration, which all negatively impact the Virgin Islands community.”
Delegation
Mr. Wheatley was accompanied by HSD Ministry Permanent Secretary Tasha Bertie and acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges.
Ms. Bertie said the meeting offered the Ministry of Health and Social Development opportunities to build on healthcare improvements.
“Participation in this meetingis vital as we work towards enhancing our health informationsystems and long-term care services,” she said. “Leveraging the insights from this meeting, theterritory will be better equipped toimprove surgical, intensive care,and emergency services.”
Also critical, she said, are opportunities for technical cooperation with PAHO and bilateral agreements with other territories and agencies in attendance.
Strategic plan
At the meeting, a roadmap was presented for the development of the PAHO Strategic Plan 2026-2031, which is set for approval next year.
Moving forward, progress reports will be shared on efforts to reduce disparities in healthcare access for disenfranchised people and the ongoing digital transformation of the health sector, according to government.
