CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has paid tribute to the former director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Dominican-born Dr. Carissa Etienne, who died in the United States early Friday of an apparent heart attack. She was 71 years old.
The sub-regional grouping described her as “a distinguished medical professional” who “exemplified the true spirit of regional leadership and dedication to public health.
“Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Etienne demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing health and well-being across the Americas. Her contributions to strengthening health systems, promoting infectious disease control, and addressing health inequities have left an indelible mark on the region. Her passion for improving the lives of others was evident in her dedication to serving the most vulnerable populations, having also made significant strides in addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health in the Americas.”
OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules said the former PAHO Director Emeritus, who retired in January this year, “was a highly-respected leader in the field of public health who exemplified the best aspects of leadership: unwavering diligence and unfailing service.
“She was an advocate for universal health coverage, and her contributions to the field of public health will always be remembered. In the Caribbean, she led PAHO’s efforts to help countries adapt and respond to climate-change-induced natural disasters; fifty health facilities in the region were retrofitted to become safe, green, and resilient to climate-related disasters through the SMART Hospitals Network,” he added.
Jules said Dr. Etienne’s leadership also played a critical role in supporting the region in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that PAHO’s Revolving Fund for Access to Vaccines delivered over 151 million COVID-19 vaccines under her guidance.
“The OECS extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Etienne’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Her passing is a significant loss to the region and the global health community. Her legacy of service, leadership, and compassion will continue to inspire us as we strive to improve the health and well-being of all people.”
Meanwhile, the President of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) and Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the hemispheric body, Sir Ronald Sanders, said the death of Dr. Etienne “is an occasion for deep sadness.
“If ever there was a person to whom every person in the Caribbean owed an enduring debt of gratitude, it was her. As Director of PAHO, she steered all Western Hemisphere countries through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. She worked tirelessly to secure vaccines for all Caribbean nations and toiled relentlessly to ensure the region got necessary medical facilities,” he said.
Sir Ronald recalled that in June 2021, he wrote to Dr. Etienne, “The Caribbean and Latin America owe much to the dedication and resourcefulness of PAHO – and particularly to the black, Caribbean woman at the center of its operations.
“Her passing is a sad loss to everyone in the Caribbean. She represented everything good about us. We should all mourn her: we have lost a strong, caring champion who always answered a call for help and advanced the region’s health diligently and forcefully.
“She was a respected leader who reached the height of command in the Pan-American Health Organisation, overcoming many obstacles as a woman and a black woman. In many ways, she was phenomenal. We must be thankful for her life and care,” Sir Ronald added.
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