ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC -Health Minister Cassanni Laville is urging Dominicans to remember the late director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa Etienne, as someone whose work advanced primary health care, universal access, and equity, not just for Dominica, but for the Caribbean and the world.
“It is only fitting that we honor her legacy by strengthening what she stood for. Primary health care is where health truly begins. It is where prevention happens. It is where diseases are detected early. It is where (0:36) care is brought closer to people before illness becomes a crisis,” said Laville as Dominica Monday launched the Dr. Carissa Etienne Primary Health Care Week.
Laville described Etienne, who served as PAHO’s director and the World Health Organization (WHO) regional director for the Americas from 2013 to 2023, as a global champion of public health.
“And in Dominica, that system is active, accessible, and rooted in our communities. Across our island, our health centers and district teams provide a wide range of essential services,” Laville said, adding, “these services touch every stage of life, and they are the backbone of our health system designed to reach every Dominican”.
Laville said that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain Dominica’s greatest health challenge.
“Too many lives are being affected by conditions that can be prevented, detected early, and properly managed. The science is clear, the solutions are known, and this government is acting.
“Through our National NCD Strategic Plan 2025-2030, we have set clear, measurable targets to reduce premature deaths and cut avoidable hospitalizations. We are strengthening primary care, expanding prevention, and ensuring that services continue to reach people where they live. ”
He said that this week, Dominicans will hear more about several initiatives, including the National Wellness Initiatives, the Fit for Life Wellness Journey, the Stairway Challenge, the Healthy Village Initiative, and Church and School Health Champions, all designed to bring prevention and healthy living into the everyday lives of our people.
“But the government cannot do it alone. So this week, I make a simple call to every Dominican: visit your health center, get screened, take charge of your health, and to our healthcare workers. You are the human faces of this system, and your service brings our national commitment to life.
“Today, we honor legacy, we strengthen purpose, and we renew our commitment. On behalf of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services and the Government of Dominica, I hereby declare the inaugural Dr. Carissa Etienne Primary Healthcare Week officially open.”
Dr. Etienne passed away on December 1, 2023, at the age of 71.
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