The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs remains committed to strengthening Saint Lucia’s healthcare system through ongoing collaboration with regional partners. A delegation, led by Minister for Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, represented Saint Lucia at the Forty-Seventh meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) Meeting in Washington, D.C.
The COHSOD meeting provided crucial updates on pressing health initiatives, including pandemic preparedness, healthcare worker migration policies, and disease elimination efforts. One of the meeting’s highlights was the presentation by the Ad interim Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr. Lisa Indar, on infectious disease trends. Her presentation emphasised the need for expanded surveillance tools, particularly those developed for mass gatherings like the upcoming Cricket World Cup, to enhance emergency response capabilities across the region.
Minister for Health Wellness and Elderly Affairs Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste actively participated in discussions, making key contributions regarding the intersection of crime, violence, and public health. He underscored the pressing need to protect healthcare workers, particularly in environments impacted by crime and violence. Minister Jn. Baptiste emphasised the responsibility of governments to ensure the safety, security, and mental well-being of healthcare professionals.
“I wish to not only support this initiative but also emphasise the urgent need to focus on the plight of healthcare professionals at our public healthcare facilities. These individuals are on the frontlines, often working in challenging and dangerous environments, especially in areas affected by crime and violence. It is our responsibility to ensure their safety, security, and mental well-being, so they can continue to provide essential services to the people of Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean. We must prioritize the mental health of our healthcare workers, creating a supportive environment where they feel protected and valued,” stated Minister for Health Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste.
In addition to crime and violence, other topics of relevance to Saint Lucia included discussions on Cervical Cancer Elimination, updates on the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration, and the reduced funding for HIV/AIDS responses in the region.
The recommendations made at the September 27 to 28 meeting will now be presented to Saint Lucia’s Health Strategic Team for further discussion and implementation, ensuring that the country continues to benefit from regional efforts aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery and public health outcomes.