Dr. Terrance Drew Meets with PAHO Director to Address Violence and Health Challenges Facing Small Island Developing States

October 1, 2024 Danielle Larmond

Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis — Dr. The Hon. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, held a productive meeting on Monday with the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), where discussions centered on pressing health issues facing the region. The meeting, announced by Dr. Drew, emphasized the need to address violence as a public health issue and focused on the specific health challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The talks come at a critical time as SIDS like St. Kitts and Nevis continue to navigate complex health problems exacerbated by economic vulnerabilities and climate change. Dr. Drew, who also serves as Minister of Health, underscored the importance of building stronger partnerships with international health organizations like PAHO to find effective solutions.

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting with @DirOPSPAHO, Director of @pahowho.

Our discussion was both productive and insightful, focusing on important matters such as addressing violence as a public health issue and tackling the critical health challenges faced by Small… pic.twitter.com/i57siM9Cd3

— Dr. The Hon. Terrance Drew (@TerranceDrewSKN) September 30, 2024

“Our discussion was both productive and insightful, focusing on important matters such as addressing violence as a public health issue and tackling the critical health challenges faced by Small Island Developing States,” Dr. Drew shared in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The meeting highlights the importance of continued collaboration with PAHO and its regional partners in the Caribbean, particularly as governments strive to strengthen healthcare systems and ensure the well-being of their citizens.

Dr. Drew’s commitment to improving healthcare and addressing violence in St. Kitts and Nevis has been a key focus of his administration. Today’s meeting reinforces his ongoing efforts to secure international support and expertise to tackle these challenges head-on.