WASHINGTON, D.C.:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Claret Connor signed Sint Maarten’s 2026–2031 Country Cooperation Strategy with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) during the 63rd PAHO Directing Council. He also addressed the Council on behalf of the four countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands during discussions on antimicrobial resistance.
The six-year strategy establishes a framework for cooperation between PAHO/WHO and the Government of Sint Maarten, supporting the country’s national health priorities and VSA’s National Health Strategy.
Its three main priorities are strengthening people-centered health care; reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions; and improving disease surveillance and the control of communicable diseases. The framework also supports digital transformation, health equity and emergency preparedness.
“This gives us a clear direction for the next six years. We know where the gaps are and where we need support, such as our capacity to collect, connect, and use health data effectively. Through this framework, we can work with PAHO on the technical support, systems and capacity we need to strengthen surveillance and improve how we use data to guide public health decisions,” Connor said.
The Minister thanked VSA’s team, PAHO’s technical staff, and Dr. Vivas and his team in Trinidad for their collaboration in developing the strategy. Dr. Vivas serves as PAHO’s representative for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius.
During the Council’s September 30 session, Connor delivered a statement on behalf of the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten on antimicrobial resistance.
The Kingdom statement called for a One Health approach, recognizing the links between human, animal, plant and environmental health. It also emphasized prevention, responsible antimicrobial use, equitable access and innovation.
“For our islands, cooperation is essential. We have specific challenges with capacity and resources. We have to make sure that regional solutions also work for our realities,” Connor said.
The signing and Kingdom statement underscored Sint Maarten’s continued cooperation with PAHO and its regional and Kingdom partners, while strengthening opportunities for technical support to advance the country’s public health priorities.
