Minister of Health Attends CARICOM Health Ministers’ Meeting & PAHO Directing Council

Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer along with a delegation leaves the island on (Friday, September 24, 2010) to attend the 19th Meeting of the Caucus of CARICOM Health Ministers from September 25 to 26 and the 50th PAHO Directing Council from September 27 to October 1, 2010 in Washington, D.C.
At the CARICOM Health Ministers’ meeting, Minister Spencer will be participating in discussions surrounding some of the country’s health programmes including its performance in tackling Non Communicable Diseases and HIV/AIDS. Other items to be discussed are a Regional Pharmacy Policy, Human Resource Matters, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and PAHO’s Regional Cooperation Framework.
During the PAHO Directing Council, Minister Spencer is expected to hold discussions with PAHO Director, Dr. Mirta Roses Periago on matters pertaining to PAHO/WHO’s continued support for critical health programmes in Jamaica.
The group will be deliberating on a number of Program Policy Matters, including the implementation of a Plan of Action on safe Hospitals; evaluation of the Regional Programme Budget Policy; strategy for Health Personnel Competency Development in Primary Health Care based health systems; a strategy for substance use and Public Health and strengthening National Regulatory Authorities on Medicines and Biologicals.
There will also be a Roundtable discussion on Urbanism and Healthy Living.
In addition, discussions will be held on issues relating to Strengthening Immunization Programmes and a Strategy and Plan of Action on Chronic Mal nutrition, as well as Health, Human Security and well-being.
An update on critical health matters such as the pandemic H1N1 and WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco will be provided.
The Directing Council comprises all members of PAHO.