CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – The Organisation of Japanese Caribbean States (OECS) has paid tribute to the previous director of the Pan American Well being Group (PAHO), the Dominican-born Dr. Carissa Etienne, who died in america early Friday of an obvious coronary heart assault. She was 71 years previous.
The sub-regional grouping described her as “a distinguished medical skilled” who “exemplified the true spirit of regional management and dedication to public well being.
“All through her illustrious profession, Dr. Etienne demonstrated an unwavering dedication to advancing well being and well-being throughout the Americas. Her contributions to strengthening well being programs, selling infectious illness management, and addressing well being inequities have left an indelible mark on the area. Her ardour for bettering the lives of others was evident in her dedication to serving essentially the most susceptible populations, having additionally made important strides in addressing noncommunicable illnesses (NCDs) and psychological well being within the Americas.”
OECS Director Common Dr. Didacus Jules stated the previous PAHO Director Emeritus, who retired in January this 12 months, “was a highly-respected chief within the discipline of public well being who exemplified one of the best facets of management: unwavering diligence and unfailing service.
“She was an advocate for common well being protection, and her contributions to the sector of public well being will at all times be remembered. Within the Caribbean, she led PAHO’s efforts to assist nations adapt and reply to climate-change-induced pure disasters; fifty well being amenities within the area have been retrofitted to turn into protected, inexperienced, and resilient to climate-related disasters via the SMART Hospitals Community,” he added.
Jules stated Dr. Etienne’s management additionally performed a important function in supporting the area in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, including that PAHO’s Revolving Fund for Entry to Vaccines delivered over 151 million COVID-19 vaccines below her steerage.
“The OECS extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Etienne’s household, buddies, and colleagues throughout this troublesome time. Her passing is a major loss to the area and the worldwide well being group. Her legacy of service, management, and compassion will proceed to encourage us as we attempt to enhance the well being and well-being of all individuals.”
In the meantime, the President of the Everlasting Council of the Group of American States (OAS) and Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the hemispheric physique, Sir Ronald Sanders, stated the loss of life of Dr. Etienne “is an event for deep disappointment.
“If ever there was an individual to whom each particular person within the Caribbean owed a permanent debt of gratitude, it was her. As Director of PAHO, she steered all Western Hemisphere nations via the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. She labored tirelessly to safe vaccines for all Caribbean nations and toiled relentlessly to make sure the area received obligatory medical amenities,” he stated.
Sir Ronald recalled that in June 2021, he wrote to Dr. Etienne, “The Caribbean and Latin America owe a lot to the dedication and resourcefulness of PAHO – and notably to the black, Caribbean lady on the middle of its operations.
“Her passing is a tragic loss to everybody within the Caribbean. She represented every thing good about us. We must always all mourn her: we’ve misplaced a powerful, caring champion who at all times answered a name for assist and superior the area’s well being diligently and forcefully.
“She was a revered chief who reached the peak of command within the Pan-American Well being Organisation, overcoming many obstacles as a girl and a black lady. In some ways, she was phenomenal. We should be grateful for her life and care,” Sir Ronald added.
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