Kingdom partners agree on stronger pandemic, mental health and crisis response framework

GREAT BAY--Four countries of the Kingdom have agreed to strengthen pandemic preparedness, mental health legislation, and crisis response capacity across the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, including continued development of the Dutch Caribbean Public Health Expertise Network (DuCaPHEN), harmonization of key public health laws, and concrete steps to improve crisis readiness so the Kingdom can respond in a coordinated and effective way to future health threats

The Ministers of Health of Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten, together with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports of the Netherlands, convened on Thursday, 20 November 2025, in St. Maarten for the Four-Country Consultation on Public Health. This annual high-level dialogue remains a cornerstone for coordinated health governance and joint policy development within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

This year’s consultation, the first since 2023, addressed shared public health challenges and strategic opportunities for deeper regional cooperation. The agenda focused on priority areas including:

• Strengthening cross-border healthcare and pandemic preparedness

• Enhancing crisis and disaster response capacity

• Advancing joint initiatives in mental health, prevention, and healthy lifestyle promotion

• Improving continuity of care, workforce development, and training capacity across the health sector

On pandemic preparedness and combating infectious diseases, the four countries agreed to continue developing the Dutch Caribbean Public Health Expertise Network (DuCaPHEN), reinforcing their shared commitment to expertise exchange and regional coordination in the field of public health. They also reaffirmed their intention to work toward harmonized public health legislation across the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, with particular attention to involuntary mental health care and the cross-border referral of mental health clients.

The four countries further took steps to improve crisis preparedness, recognizing that this is essential to ensuring the Kingdom can respond in a coordinated and effective manner to any health crisis.

The consultation, hosted by the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor of St. Maarten, concluded with the formal signing of conclusions that underline the collective commitment to strengthening public health systems and cooperation within the Kingdom.

Minister Richinel Brug (St. Maarten): “Today’s agreements reflect our shared resolve to build a resilient, responsive, and collaborative public health system for the people of our islands. Strengthening these partnerships is essential to safeguarding health and well-being across the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.”

Minister Roderick Middelhof (Curaçao): “A strong health-care system is built on preparedness, prevention, mental well-being, quality, and a capable workforce. By committing to these principles together, we strengthen our collective resilience.”

State Secretary Judith Tielen (the Netherlands): “Patients who need complex mental health care are among the most vulnerable. We are stepping up for them by strengthening mental health services for everyone in the Kingdom. With our joint efforts we aim to create alignment between our laws and regulations in the field of involuntary mental health care. I am truly grateful for the willingness of each country to help provide these services to patients from islands where such care is not yet available.”

Minister Mervin Wyatt-Ras (Aruba): “I would like to acknowledge an important moment for Aruba. We are honored to assume the chairmanship of the Four-Country Consultation for the coming year. It is a responsibility we welcome with commitment and pride. We look forward to hosting the next session and continuing the work we have collectively advanced today. Aruba will strive to continue fostering cooperation, innovation, and unity within the Kingdom, always guided by the conviction that a healthier Kingdom is indeed a stronger Kingdom.”

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