UPDATE DOMINICA-Government “saddened” by the death of former PAHO director

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – The Dominica government Friday said it was “saddened” at the death of Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, whom it described as a “distinguished Dominican,’ who recently retired as the director of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO). She was 71 years old.

Dr. Etienne died at her residence in the United States of an apparent heart failure, relatives said. She had recently retired after ten years as PAHO director and was declared Director-Emeritus on September 30, 2022, at the 30th Pan American Sanitary Conference.

“From a little girl in Massacre, Dominica, walking barefoot, going to school, being as every other child was. If that child can become director of PAHO, then there is hope for every child that walks the streets of the Americas (including the Caribbean),” said Dr. Etienne during the ceremony.

“Carissa was a dear friend and colleague, and under her steadfast leadership and guidance, PAHO achieved significant milestones for the region of the Americas while facing one of our greatest public health challenges with COVID-19,” PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said.

“I am very saddened by her passing, and my thoughts are with her family, friends, and all of us at PAHO who cared deeply for her,” he added.

“We have lost a great public health champion. Dr. Etienne’s invaluable experience will be sorely missed in global health discussions to improve people’s lives and ensure better preparedness for global health emergencies,” the PAHO Director said.

The Dominica government said Dr. Etienne “was a globally recognized public health champion and advocate who brought great pride and honor to Dominica.”

It said she had ended her 10-year tenure as PAHO director on January 31, 2023, after having served as Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organization from 2008 –2013, Assistant Director of the Pan American Health Organization from 2003 – 2008, and Director of Primary Health Care Services, Ministry of Health, Dominica 1989 –2001.
” Under her guidance as Director of Primary Healthcare, Dominica achieved universal coverage for all primary care programs, with immunization coverage rates of 95 percent; 90 percent coverage for prenatal care and deliveries by trained birth attendants; access to continuous care for chronic non-communicable disease, country-wide community empowerment and participation; and health education integrated into community care.”

Dr. Etienne had previously served as chief medical officer coordinator of the National
HIV/AIDS Programme, national epidemiologist, and medical director at the then
Princess Margaret Hospital.

“On behalf of the people of Dominica, the Government of Dominica extends sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, an illustrious, well-loved
daughter of our country. At this challenging moment, we share your grief and pray to the Lord to grant you comfort and fortitude in this mourning period.

” May we always remember and celebrate her outstanding contributions and dedication to the management of Dominica’s public health sector and her leadership and strategic guidance of health systems in the Americas,” the statement said.

PAHO said that during Dr. Etienne’s tenure, PAHO led the response to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic in the region of the Americas, as well as efforts to control Zika and chikungunya epidemics and cholera and yellow fever outbreaks in Haiti and Brazil, while significantly improving the Organization’s response to emergencies and disasters within 48 hours.

“Under her leadership, the Americas eliminated the endemic transmission of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome and made considerable strides in preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases. Legislative and regulatory mechanisms gained traction, as countries enacted legislation on labeling food products and introduced taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages.”

PAHO said advances were also made in strengthening national health systems and advancing toward universal health.

It said in the last five years of Dr. Etienne’s mandate, deliveries by skilled birth attendants increased from 95 percent to nearly 100 percent, “and, for the first time, the Region of the Americas reached the recommended target of 25 physicians and nurses per 10,000 people”.

It said that during her tenure at WHO and PAHO, Dr. Etienne directed efforts to renew and strengthen health systems based on primary health care. She has also spearheaded policies for reducing health inequalities, increasing people-centered care, and integrating health into broader public policies.

Dr. Etienne received her medical degree (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery-MBBS) from the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Jamaica and her Master of Science Degree (MSc) in Community Health in Developing Countries from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London.