Minister Brug welcomes PAHO/WHO delegation for National Health Consultation

GREAT BAY--The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, welcomed representatives of the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) for a two-day National Consultation to develop the new PAHO/WHO Country Cooperation Strategy, CCS, for St. Maarten covering 2026 to 2031. The consultation brings together stakeholders from across the health sector to identify national priorities and set the direction of cooperation.

Minister Brug noted the significance of the exercise: “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 will align St. Maarten’s health agenda with regional and global frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals 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 said. “By integrating health considerations across all sectors, we can strengthen the wellbeing and quality of life for everyone in our communities.” He thanked PAHO/WHO for its partnership, and acknowledged the commitment of local stakeholders to better health outcomes and sustainable development.

The two-day consultation will review progress since 2017, assess emerging challenges, and define shared priorities to guide future collaboration between the Ministry and PAHO/WHO. “Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient St. Maarten, one where every individual has the opportunity to live a healthy and dignified life,” Minister Brug concluded.

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