WASHINGTON, D.C.--St. Maarten has signed a new six-year health cooperation strategy with the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization, while Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Claret Connor also represented the four countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands during discussions on antimicrobial resistance at the 63rd PAHO Directing Council.
The two developments marked key milestones for St. Maarten at the meeting in Washington, D.C. The 2026-2031 Country Cooperation Strategy establishes the framework for cooperation between PAHO/WHO and the Government of St. Maarten in support of the country’s national health priorities and the Ministry of VSA’s National Health Strategy.
The strategy focuses on three main priorities: strengthening people-centered health care, reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions, and strengthening disease surveillance and the control of communicable diseases. It also supports work in digital transformation, health equity and emergency 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. 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 said.
Connor also thanked the Ministry’s team, PAHO technical staff, and Dr. Vivas, the representative for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius, along with his team in Trinidad, for the work and collaboration that contributed to completion of the strategy.
The second milestone came when Connor 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.
The Kingdom statement emphasized addressing antimicrobial resistance through a One Health approach, recognizing 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.”
The Ministry said the two developments underscore St. Maarten’s continued engagement with PAHO and its regional and Kingdom partners, while strengthening opportunities for technical cooperation in support of the country’s public health priorities.
