Jamaica Pledges Support to New PAHO Director

Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, has pledged Jamaica’s full support in working with the new Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa Etienne.

Dr. Ferguson was speaking to JIS News after participating in Thursday’s (January 31) swearing in ceremony for Dr. Etienne, held at the PAHO/World Health Organization headquarters in Washington DC.

A native of Dominica, Dr. Etienne replaces Dr. Mirta Roses, who had been PAHO’s Director since 2003.

“We will continue to support the work of PAHO, which has, over the years, demonstrated a commitment to assisting the country to develop its health systems and improve the state of health care and health care services in various areas. I congratulate Dr. Etienne and I am assured that she will continue the good tradition of this prestigious organization, as well as the close relationship that Jamaica has had with PAHO,” Dr. Ferguson said.

The Health Minister said he was proud that yet another public health stalwart from the Caribbean will head PAHO. He said the strong turnout at the swearing in ceremony is a symbol of the support that Dr. Etienne will have as she begins her five-year term of office on February 1, 2013.

Dr. Etienne was elected PAHO Director on September 19, 2012 by PAHO Member States during the 28thPan American Sanitary Conference held in Washington, D.C.

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie also attended the swearing in ceremony.