1 December, 2023 — It is with great sadness today that we mourn the death of our former PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne. Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, a native of Dominica, served as Director of PAHO and World Health Organization (WHO) Regional for the Americas from February 2013 to January 2023, died on 1 December 2023.
“Dr. Etienne, who was a friend, a sister, and a great colleague, has served the Americas with distinguished honour and has made significant contributions to the Caribbean region. This is a very sad moment for us, and we are shocked by the death of our dear colleague,” said Dr. Luis Codina, PAHO/WHO Representative, Guyana.
Last year, Dr. Carissa Etienne visited Guyana and met with the President Irfaan Ali, government officials and the UN body in Guyana.
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Dr. Etienne highlighted the increase in the health budget in the coming years, something that will improve the health sector, and praised the Package of Essential Health Services for Primary Health Care that seeks to enable Guyana to ensure access to health services for all gradually.
“The essential health package that PAHO elaborated with the Ministry of Health is a key development for the next years to ensure access to health services, medicines and technologies with appropriate human resources for the most vulnerable, especially indigenous, women and migrants”, Dr Etienne said.
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During her visit, Dr. Carissa Etienne and Guyana’s Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony signed the new PAHO/WHO Strategic note for the next five years. The new PAHO/WHO Country Cooperation strategy 2023-2027 will guide the technical cooperation between PAHO/WHO and the Government of Guyana in support of the country’s national health priorities, like strengthening health systems, reducing morbidity and mortality of NCDs and mental health, and improving health and well-being across the life course.
On behalf of Dr. Luis Codina, PAHO/WHO, Representative and the staff of the Guyana Country Office we extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Carissa Etienne. May God continue to strengthen the family of Dr. Etienne and the PAHO/WHO family in this time of bereavement.
