Director of PAHO Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Claret Connor with Dr. Vivas joining online.
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Claret Connor marked two milestones during the 63rd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), signing St. Maarten’s 2026-2031 Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) with PAHO/WHO (World Health Organization) and delivering a statement on behalf of the four countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
.The six-year CCS provides a framework for cooperation between PAHO/WHO and the Government of St. Maarten in support of the country’s national health priorities and the VSA National Health Strategy. PAHO confirmed that the agreement was signed by Connor and PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa on September 29 in Washington, D.C.
The strategy focuses on three priorities: strengthening people-centred healthcare; reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions; and strengthening disease surveillance to support the control and elimination of communicable diseases. It also covers areas including digital transformation, health promotion and disaster preparedness.
“This gives us a clear direction for the next six years. We know where the gaps are and where we need support, such as our capacity to collect, connect, and use health data effectively,” Connor said.
“Through this framework, we can work with PAHO on the technical support, systems and capacity we need to strengthen surveillance and improve how we use data to guide public health decisions.”
Connor thanked the ministry’s team, PAHO technical staff and Dr. Vivas, the PAHO/WHO representative for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius, and his team in Trinidad for their work on the CCS.
Kingdom statement
During the Directing Council, Connor also spoke on behalf of the four countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands – the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten – during discussions on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The Kingdom statement emphasised the need to address AMR through a One Health approach, recognising the links between human, animal, plant and environmental health. It also highlighted prevention, responsible antimicrobial use, equitable access and innovation.
“For our islands, cooperation is essential. We have specific challenges with capacity and resources. We have to make sure that regional solutions also work for our realities,” Connor said.
The two engagements highlighted St. Maarten’s continued cooperation with PAHO and regional and Kingdom partners, while creating opportunities for technical cooperation in support of the country’s public health priorities.
The 63rd PAHO Directing Council is being held in Washington, D.C., from September 28 to October 2.
