New York, September 24, 2025 (PAHO) – In the margins of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), met with the newly elected President of Suriname, Dr. Jennifer Simons, to discuss the country's health priorities and the steps needed to enhance the nation's health system.
Dr. Barbosa congratulated Dr. Simons on her historic election as Suriname’s first female president, acknowledging her background as a trained physician and her longstanding leadership in public service. The meeting took place at Suriname's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, where both leaders were in attendance for the ongoing UNGA.
Suriname’s health achievements were a key focus of the discussion. Dr. Simons and Dr. Barbosa celebrated the country’s significant achievement in receiving the World Health Organization's (WHO) malaria-free certification in June 2025. Suriname became the first country in the Amazon region to attain this milestone, following decades of effort to eliminate malaria in the country’s diverse communities and dense rainforests. This achievement positions Suriname as a regional leader in disease elimination.
The two leaders outlined key health priorities for Suriname’s future. Dr. Simons shared her vision for transforming the country’s health system with a focus on strengthening primary health care (PHC) infrastructure, expanding the health workforce, and improving digital health solutions, especially in rural and remote areas. A strong emphasis was placed on enhancing data systems to guide informed decision-making and resource allocation.
Additional priorities discussed included the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), promoting mental and behavioral health, and implementing healthy school initiatives.
“PAHO is commitment to supporting Suriname in achieving these national health priorities and advancing health and well-being for all Surinamese,” Dr. Barbosa remarked.
