PAHO unveils new centre in Barbados in honour of former director

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has officially unveiled the Carissa F. Etienne Health Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

Named in honour of former director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr Carissa Etienne, who died on December 1, 2023, the facility is designed to enhance disaster preparedness and health emergency responses across the Eastern Caribbean.

At the unveiling ceremony, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Jerome Walcott said it was a momentous occasion for the Eastern Caribbean and praised the collaboration between the Barbados Government and PAHO/WHO, which led to the EOC’s establishment.

“As the Caribbean faces an increasing number of natural disasters and public health challenges, it is essential that we have the systems in place to respond swiftly and effectively,” the minister said, as he stressed the need for better coordination and preparedness. “The pandemic tested our response systems in ways we had never anticipated, but it also strengthened our resolve to improve regional collaboration and coordination.”

Minister Walcott noted predictions by Colorado State University for an “above active” hurricane season in the Atlantic basin this year with 17 named tropical storms, including nine hurricanes, of which four are predicted to be major.

Such predictions underscored the timeliness of the EOC’s launch, he said. “We know that hazards like hurricanes can affect lives and livelihoods. Hurricane Beryl alone was reportedly responsible for 73 fatalities and more than $8 billion in damage,” Walcott noted.

PAHO/WHO representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Dr Amalia Del Riego addressed the gathering, saying, “This centre is more than just a building; it represents a commitment to resilience. It will serve as a hub for coordinating emergency responses and ensuring that the region is prepared for any health crisis or natural disaster.”

The new facility will facilitate real-time monitoring of threats and support emergency health coordination and responses across the region, as well as improve collaboration between member states, PAHO, and other international partners.

PAHO Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa, who also spoke virtually, underscored the significance of the new centre in the context of the Caribbean’s vulnerability to a range of hazards, from hurricanes to volcanic eruptions.

“This centre represents our collective commitment to safeguarding the health of the Caribbean people,” Dr Barbosa said. “It’s a testament to the power of partnerships and the shared determination to build a more resilient future for the region.”

The EOC pays tribute to Dr Etienne’s remarkable leadership in public health, particularly during the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the legacy she left through her efforts to advance health security and emergency preparedness in the Americas.

(LG)