Minister Connor Leads St. Maarten Delegation to 63rd PAHO Directing Council

GREAT BAY--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Claret Connor is leading a St. Maarten delegation to the 63rd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO, taking place at PAHO Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The Directing Council brings together Ministers of Health and other high-level health authorities from across the Americas to discuss regional public health priorities, review progress and consider policies and strategies aimed at strengthening health systems and improving health outcomes throughout the region.

Connor is joined by Secretary General of VSA Joy Arnell, Head of the Department of Public Health Fenna Arnell and Cabinet Advisor Dominique Hodge.

Throughout the week, the St. Maarten delegation will participate in discussions addressing key regional priorities, including strengthening health emergency preparedness and response, primary healthcare, digital transformation in health, disease prevention and elimination, and improving the resilience of health systems.

Representatives from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba and Curaçao are also attending the PAHO Directing Council, providing an opportunity for continued bilateral discussions on areas of mutual interest.

These engagements will focus on strengthening cooperation and exploring how available resources, expertise and partnerships can support the continued development of health services and shared public health priorities across the Kingdom.

The meetings also provide an opportunity for St. Maarten to engage directly with regional counterparts and PAHO representatives, exchange experiences and explore opportunities for continued technical cooperation and collaboration.

“Many of the public health challenges we face are shared across our region, and there is tremendous value in coming together to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and identify practical solutions,” Connor said. “We look forward to connecting with our regional colleagues as we continue these important discussions on public health and the future of healthcare in our region.”

St. Maarten’s participation in the 63rd Directing Council reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the country’s public health system while remaining actively engaged in regional dialogue and cooperation.

During the week, the delegation will also participate in a number of bilateral and technical engagements aimed at advancing St. Maarten’s public health priorities and strengthening its ongoing partnership with PAHO.

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