The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, with the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization-PAHO wrapped up the COVID-19 After Action Review on Friday, October 27, 2023.
The five-day COVID-19 After Action Review was to analyse the lessons learnt from the COVID -19 pandemic, with the view to analyse the areas that require strengthening in preparation for future pandemics. The After-Action Review or AAR, is a component of the International Health Regulations, Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, to increase accountability and transparency among countries and with the World Health Organization Secretariat.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon Belmar- George said St. Lucia was the first country in the region to request an After-Action Review following COVID-19
“In my assessment of what we have gone through with COVID, I have looked at the positives and seen where our health system has grown because of COVID. The sad part was the hospitalizations and the deaths, but it has served to strengthen the health system as a whole and I think it is important that we sustain whatever measures that (we) put in place moving forward,” said Dr. Sharon Belmar- George , Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs
PAHO’s Dr. Oscar la Pouble (Poublay) says the AAR is not just a process, but a testament to a nation’s commitment to continuous improvement and preparedness for the future. He added that through St. Lucia’s partnership with PAHO for the After-Action Review, the island is continuing to showcase its leadership in public health. This collaboration he added, will not only benefit St. Lucia but also serve as a beacon for other nations.
“Saint Lucia’s commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of its people has been evident throughout this crisis, from the rapid mobilization of resources to the diligent efforts of health care professionals on the frontline. The nation’s response has been both commendable and inspirational. The learning through this journey has been one of adaptation and resilience. This is exactly the spirit of reflection and growth that has brought us here today,” Dr. Oscar Mesones La Pouble said.
“In our collective fight against health emergencies, it is imperative that we both reflect and learn. This AAR is an opportunity to consolidate the wisdom gained form life experience, identify and maintain the gains and address the areas that need reinforcement.”
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Mrs. Tessa Inglis, stated that the frankness and openness of participants were welcomed during the discussions, as the Ministry looks to cataloguing best practices and lessons learnt from the pandemic.
“The challenges presented by COVID were unparalleled; and while the Ministry has always been able and ready to respond to public health emergencies, we had to dig deep and revise our approaches to contend to the new and emerging threat,” Inglis said.
“As we chat the way forward towards the implementation of Universal Health Coverage, the need to get everything right in health care has never been more pressing for us at the ministry.”
An After-Action Review is a qualitative, structured review of the actions taken in response to an actual public health event as a means of identifying and documenting best practices, gaps and lessons.