Honourable Cassanni Laville, Minister of Health, Wellness and Social Services, presented on behalf of Dominica at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Minister, in his contribution to the plenary discussion, offered Dominica’s support for the World Health Organization (WHO) and its mandate.
“I commend WHO for its leadership in these precarious times. Renewal and transformation are essential for survival. Dominica remains your steadfast partner. Despite vulnerabilities from climate change, geographic isolation, and economic constraints, we have made significant strides in public health. Our efforts in disease elimination have led to eradication of several illnesses, including malaria, measles, rubella, and mother-to-child transmission of HIV,” he stated.
Further, the Minister highlighted Dominica’s efforts to make health care accessible and affordable to all citizens, particularly in the prevention and management of Non-Communicable Diseases.
“Further, in my capacity as Chair of the OECS Council of Health Ministers, we were the first block of nations to sign the Country Cooperation for Health Development with PAHO, underscoring strong commitment to key initiatives of Director Barbosa.”
“However, the burden of disease remains. Consequently, we increased NCD screening and upscaled efforts promoting healthier life choices. Further we have prioritized universal access to primary health care through a comprehensive community health model, serving over 98% of our population with a coverage ratio of 14 hundred people per Health Centre. These crucibles of wellness, funded by our Citizenship by Investment Program, demonstrate strong commitment to our citizens through Prime Minister Skerrit’s leadership,” he added.
Hon Laville took the opportunity to speak to the fruitful collaborations with the Republic of Cuba and the People’s Republic of China, supporting Dominica’s health care system.
“I express gratitude to the Republic of Cuba and the People’s Republic of China for their support with medical specialists to augment our health system. The reality is, long before the term ‘South-South cooperation’ became a staple in international dialogue, Cuba was leading by example. We must not allow geopolitics to threaten our collective vision. Let the power of truth displace wavering hope of serendipity.”
The Minister also participated in the CARICOM Caucus, and the South-South Cooperation Meeting organized by the Republic of Cuba. He held dialogues with delegates and Ministers from Venezuela and Cuba, as well as the CARICOM Deputy Secretary General, Dr Armstrong Alexis, and the OECS Ambassador to Geneva, Colin Murdoch.
