New PAHO Director to make health ‘a driving force for change’

ALL eyes were glued to the multi-media screen in the conference room of the PAHO here in Barbados, as Dr. Carissa F. Etienne of Dominica was installed as the tenth Director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and Regional Director for the Americas of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Dr. Carissa F. Etienne took office last week Thursday, pledging to work in close partnership with PAHO member countries to extend the benefits of health progress to all people in the Americas. Dr. Etienne noted that her highest priority will be accelerating progress toward universal access to quality health care.

New PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, of Dominica.

“Of the many opportunities and challenges this Organisation and our Member States face, one goal stands atop all the others. It is providing universal access to health care across the Americas. No other single achievement would contribute more to ensuring a long, dignified and productive life,” Dr. Etienne remarked during her inaugural address, after taking the oath of office.

Dr. Etienne noted the impressive health progress in the Americas, with major gains in life expectancy, declining infant mortality, high rates of immunisation, improved nutrition, expanded access to health care and health education and newly available medicines and health technologies. However, she said progress has not been experienced equally, especially among the poor and most vulnerable populations.

“These conditions converge to create a unique moment for health in the Americas. We have a powerful potential to create positive change in health. Just as important, health can be a driving force for change. Improved health and access to health care will translate into stronger economies, more cohesive societies, and in nations better able to integrate and compete in the global world,” she said.

Watching the Inauguration Programme via a live stream coming from Room A of PAHO’s Headquarters in Washington, were a number of stalwarts in the local health care sector and others tied to the PAHO organisation here in Barbados. Addressing the gathering prior to the event, Dr. Merle Lewis, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, stressed the significance of the event, noting that it was only the second occasion in the 110 years of existence of PAHO, that a woman was elected to hold the  position.

Dr. Etienne, formerly Assistant Director-General at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva, succeeds Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, of Argentina, who served ten years as Director.

WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said in a video message from Geneva, “I have lost my Assistant Director-General for Health Systems and Services, but the Pan American Health Organisation has gained an experienced leader.”

Outgoing Director Dr. Roses pledged her “unlimited collaboration” with PAHO’s new Director.

“My successor is recognised for her capability and commitment to regional public health,” said Dr. Roses. “Under her leadership, with the talent and commitment of this organisation’s work teams and the support of its Member States, PAHO will continue to contribute decisively to the health of the peoples of the Americas.”

Special guests attending the ceremony included US Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit, Minister of Health of Grenada Ann Peters, and Assistant Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States Albert Ramdin. (RSM)