Minister Brug welcomes PAHO/WHO delegation for National Health Consultation
- Published in Soualiga
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Minister Brug with PAHO/WHO delegation, SG Arnell, Fenna Arnell Head of Public Health and public health staff.
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) officially welcomed representatives of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) to Sint Maarten on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, for a two-day National Consultation focused on developing the new PAHO/WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) for Sint Maarten.
This consultation will bring together key stakeholders from across the health sector to identify national priorities and shape the direction of health cooperation for the period 2026–2031.
The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Mr. Richinel Brug highlighted the importance of the consultation, noting that “the last Country Cooperation Strategy ended in 2017, and much has changed since then. The experiences of recent years have reminded us how essential collaboration, preparedness, and resilience are for a strong and responsive health system.”
The CCS serves as a roadmap for how PAHO/WHO will support Sint Maarten’s national health agenda, aligning local priorities with global and regional frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sustainable Health Agenda for the Americas.
“This process is about ensuring that our health policies remain people-centered, equitable, and aligned with our ‘Health in All Policies’ approach,” the Minister stated. “By integrating health considerations across all sectors, we can strengthen the wellbeing and quality of life for everyone in our communities.”
The Minister of VSA also expressed appreciation to PAHO/WHO for their continued partnership and to all participating stakeholders for their dedication to improving health outcomes and promoting development across the island.
“Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient Sint Maarten—one where every individual has the opportunity to live a healthy and dignified life,” the Minister concluded.
The two-day consultation will review progress made since 2017, assess emerging health challenges, and establish shared priorities to guide future collaboration between the Ministry and PAHO/WHO.