St Kitts and Nevis Represented at PAHO's 48th Directing Council
.jpg) |
|
Hon. Rupert Herbert
|
WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 -- Honourable Rupert Herbert, Minister of Health, Social, Community Development and Gender Affairs joined his colleagues from all the countries of the Americas at their annual meeting in Washington DC.
The 48th Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) which considers several matters affecting the health and well being of the populations of the countries of the Americas, heard an opening address by Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, who highlighted the importance of primary health care, noting "It is not easy to make health equity a guiding principle for health systems, especially when Ministries of Health are expected to operate financially self-sustaining services. But it can be done. And the region of the Americas proved the case."
The Director General stressed the need to "ground public health action in a clear understanding of the multiple forces that affect health, primary health care is the best way to do this."
She also extended condolences to the many people in the region, including Haiti, Cuba, Jamaica and the Bahamas, who lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods following the recent storms and hurricanes. Dr Chan commended the efforts of respective governments prior to and after the disasters, noting specifically the challenges being faced by Haiti, which suffered tremendous damages. ~~Adz:Right~~
Delegates were also welcomed by PAHO's Director, Dr. Mitra Roses by reminding them of the important challenges which continue to confront the region. She noted that critical topics to be discussed during the meeting included climate change and its impact on public health, cervical cancer prevention, adolescent and youth health, prevention and management of diabetes, as well as the Millennium Development Goals and actions needed to reach them.
St Kitts and Nevis' Minister of Health, who is being supported by Permanent Secretary, Elvis Newton, will during the course of the meeting speak on several of the resolutions relevant to the Government's ongoing efforts to deliver quality, accessible and affordable health care to citizens and residents.
St Kitts and Nevis became a Member of the PAHO in 1983 and continues to benefit from the agency which was founded in 1902 and works with all countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of their people. PAHO also serves as the regional office of the World Health Organization.
----------------END----------------
