Delegation from the Ministry of Health and Human Services attends 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

AND HUMAN SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 10 October 2024: At the 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) held in Washington, D.C., from 30 September to 4 October 2024, the Ministry of Health and Human Services was represented by senior officials, including Permanent Secretary Mrs Desiree Lewis, Chief Medical Officer Dr Nadia Astwood, Director of Health Policy and Planning Mr Lynrod Brooks, and the Director of Aged-Care and Rehabilitation. These health leaders, along with Ministers of Health, public health experts, and other officials from other countries across The Americas, engaged in crucial discussions focused on improving regional health systems and addressing major public health challenges.

Key policy decisions during the council revolved around strengthening digital health frameworks and long-term care, aligning with global health goals such as disease elimination and health equity. Special emphasis was placed on telemedicine, plans for the eradication of diseases, including cervical cancer, and the development of sustainable health strategies. The event also focused on bolstering collaboration among member states to tackle shared health issues such as communicable diseases, chronic conditions and health emergencies.

Permanent Secretary of Health, Mrs Desiree Lewis, recently commented on the importance of the HEARTS initiative in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) as a key strategy to combat the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). She highlighted that the rollout of this initiative is critical in addressing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, which are prevalent across the region. By focusing on strengthening primary healthcare and promoting healthier lifestyles, the HEARTS initiative aims to reduce the risk factors associated with these chronic diseases and improve overall health outcomes in the TCI.

In addition to the HEARTS initiative, Mrs Lewis emphasised the necessity of developing and implementing a comprehensive policy for the elderly. With an ageing population, the need for structured care and support systems for older individuals is becoming increasingly urgent. The policy would ensure that the elderly receive adequate care and protection, particularly in areas such as aged care services and rehabilitation. She stressed that addressing the needs of this vulnerable group is essential for ensuring equitable healthcare for all citizens.

The Ministry of Health is working closely with PAHO to draft a National Policy for Healthy Ageing and the launch of the ICOPE (Integrated Care of Older People) Registration Programme and Decade of Healthy Ageing. A series of consultations have already taken place and further engagements are scheduled for early November 2024. The first draft of the policy is expected to be ready by early next year, in line with the broader resolutions discussed at the council aimed at strengthening health systems, including long-term care and promoting equity.

The Ministry and PAHO are committed to continued consultations and collaborative efforts to ensure that the policy is inclusive, evidence-based, and capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by elderly populations.

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.