Photograph: © iStock/diego_cervo
Annual report 2024
The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands
Pan American Health Organization
PAHO: CATALYST FOR HEALTH IN THE AMERICAS
120 years of history
PAHO was the first multilateral health agency. Established in 1902, its founding objective was to respond to disease threats associated with increasing trade among countries in the Americas.
Preferred partner
PAHO’s position as a respected technical authority, along with its strong, long-standing relationships with Ministries of Health, makes it a highly valued partner in the Region.
Honest broker for health
We strive to build consensus around issues that are common to countries in the Region to prioritize health in a politically heterogenous and epidemiologically complex context.
Technical excellence
World-class technical expertise, data aggregation, and analytical capacity make PAHO a highly respected technical authority and information source for countries and partners.
Country focus
With the most extensive country presence of any WHO Region, we are committed to country-centered technical cooperation, tailored to unique needs and contexts.
Effective implementation
PAHO has an impressive track record of successes in disease elimination, healthcare coverage and emergency response that demonstrate its capacity to implement efficiently and effectively.
120 years of history
PAHO was the first multilateral health agency. Established in 1902, its founding objective was to respond to disease threats associated with increasing trade among countries in the Americas.
Technical excellence
World-class technical expertise, data aggregation, and analytical capacity make PAHO a highly respected technical authority and information source for countries and partners.
Preferred partner
PAHO’s position as a respected technical authority, along with its strong, long-standing relationships with Ministries of Health, makes it a highly valued partner in the Region.
Country focus
With the most extensive country presence of any WHO Region, we are committed to country-centered technical cooperation, tailored to unique needs and contexts.
Honest broker for health
We strive to build consensus around issues that are common to countries in the Region to prioritize health in a politically heterogenous and epidemiologically complex context.
Effective implementation
PAHO has an impressive track record of successes in disease elimination, healthcare coverage and emergency response that demonstrate its capacity to implement efficiently and effectively.
Message from the PAHO/WHO Representative in The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands
It is with great pride and commitment that I present the 2024 Annual Report of the PAHO/WHO country office for The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands. It highlights our collaborative work with our countries and territories, stakeholders, and partners to advance public health and strengthen health systems.
In 2024, our work was guided by the principles of equity, solidarity, and the right to health. PAHO/WHO provided technical cooperation in priority areas, such as healthcare reform, tobacco control, mental health, essential public health functions, and infection prevention and control. PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds facilitated the provision of cost-effective, quality medicines, supplies, and vaccines. Achievements in these areas reflect technical progress, and the power of coordinated action and shared purpose.
The challenges faced require continued vigilance, innovation, and partnership. PAHO/WHO remain fully committed to supporting our countries and territories in achieving universal health and the Sustainable Development Goals.
I extend my gratitude to our countries and territories, stakeholders, and partners. It is only through our collective efforts and shared vision that we can build more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable health systems.
Eldonna Boisson
PAHO/WHO Representative in The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands
Highlights in 2024
FEB
MAY
MAY
OCT
OCT
OCT
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC HEALTH FUNCTIONS
Presentation of the final report of the evaluation of essential public health functions in The Bahamas.
Photograph:Ministry of Health and Wellness in The Bahamas
FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON TOBACCO CONTROL
Completion of needs assessment by The Bahamas for implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Photograph: Ministry of Health and Wellness in The Bahamas.
NATIONAL HEALTH SECTOR STRATEGIC PLAN
New National Health Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2027 launched by Turks and Caicos Islands.
Photograph: PAHO/Ministry of Health and Human Services of Turks and Caicos Islands.
INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Hosting by The Bahamas of its first national workshop for strengthening infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities.
Photograph: Ministry of Health and Wellness in The Bahamas.
HEALTH NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN
Health National Adaptation Plan launched by The Bahamas’ Ministry of Health and Wellness.
Photograph:Ministry of Health and Wellness in The Bahamas.
PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS ASSESSMENT
Turks and Caicos Islands conducted a strategic and evidence-based assessment of public health risks for planning and prioritization of activities.
Photograph: PAHO/Ministry of Health and Human Services of Turks and Caicos Islands.
Achievements in The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands
Mental health in The Bahamas
Since Hurricane Dorian (2019) and the COVID-19 pandemic, The Bahamas’ mental health infrastructure has been strained. PAHO supported the country on mental health crisis intervention training for the armed forces and medical officers to build capacity to deliver appropriate interventions in response to persons experiencing mental health crises.
An action plan was developed for capacity-building and to develop standard operating procedures for peace officers to respond to people experiencing mental health crises.
A media sensitization workshop on the role of media in mental health reporting focused on responsible reporting, the impact of media on mental health, the role of media in supporting mental wellness, ethics and principles of journalism, and avoiding exploitation when reporting.
Mental health in Turks and Caicos Islands
PAHO supported efforts to improve mental health services in Turks and Caicos Islands. Primary health care providers were trained on the Mental Health Gap Action Programme, a tool to support early detection and treatment of mental disorders and to improve practitioners’ competence in the management of mental disorders. All participants completed a course on the topic through the PAHO Virtual Campus for Public Health. The training covered essential care and practice, depression, self-harm and psychosis, recent trends in mental health, and strategies to effectively address stigma and discrimination. Guidance was also provided on the organization of mental health services.
Launch of the Health National Adaptation Plan, The Bahamas
The Bahamas Ministry of Health and Wellness formally launched the Health National Adaptation Plan in October. With the technical cooperation of PAHO, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection developed the plan under the EU/CARIFORUM project Strengthening Climate Resilient Health Systems. The plan is a Cabinet-approved initiative and is aligned with the 10 components of the WHO Operational Framework for Building Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Health Systems. It positions The Bahamas to advocate for essential funding to prioritize health in the face of climate change.
The Bahamas has advanced in the drafting of a concept note for submission to the Green Climate Fund, and convened a multi-stakeholder meeting for the validation of this concept note.
With support from PAHO and the Inter-American Development Bank, the Ministry of Health and Wellness advanced a comprehensive GBV program
Advancing a health systems approach to gender-based violence, The Bahamas
The Bahamas took significant steps to address gender-based violence (GBV) through a transformative public health lens. With support from PAHO and the Inter-American Development Bank, the Ministry of Health and Wellness advanced a comprehensive GBV program embedded within the country’s primary health care system.
As part of The Bahamas’ broader health system transformation agenda, the GBV initiative included the development of a clinical handbook, national training, a change management plan, and a phased implementation road map. A pilot program was launched to inform national scale-up efforts. Stakeholder engagement was pivotal, with leadership from the Ministry and active participation from government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and regional partners. This initiative aims to strengthen survivor-centered care, foster intersectoral collaboration, and ensure sustainable, system-wide GBV response mechanisms.
Strategic risk assessment and multihazard planning, Turks and Caicos Islands
To improve the capacity of Turks and Caicos Islands to manage its response to emergencies and disasters, a Strategic Toolkit for Assessing Risks workshop and a review of the national health emergencies and disaster response plan took place in October. The workshop identified and evaluated hazards that the territory could be exposed to, and determined necessary actions and effective utilization of limited resources in the context of competing priorities.
In view of preparedness for and response to cholera, Turks and Caicos Islands developed its national cholera control/elimination plan through multisectoral collaboration. The plan is operational and details all aspects of cholera prevention and control, aligning activities with Ending Cholera: A Global Roadmap to 2030.
Essential public health functions, The Bahamas
PAHO supported The Bahamas in conducting the three phases of evaluation of essential public health functions (EPHFs): (1) situational analysis and institutional mapping; (2) measurement of institutional capacities; and (3) development of an action plan to close identified gaps.
The evaluation was conducted in response to a resolution approved by Member States in 2021 to improve their EPHFs. It aims to strengthen a comprehensive and integrated approach to primary health care as the pillar of universal, equitable, and resilient health systems, including strengthening leadership and governance through a renewed emphasis on EPHFs.
Stories from the field
Teatime in the Tropics: Promoting healthy aging in Turks and Caicos Islands
The Ministry of Health and Human Services in Turks and Caicos launched Teatime in the Tropics to mark the International Day of Older Persons. The initiative aimed to engage older adults and revitalize senior citizens’ clubs. These gatherings created space for social connection, learning, and awareness around healthy aging. PAHO supported the effort through expert presentations and intersectoral collaboration. Participant feedback is informing the development of the territory’s first national policy on healthy aging, with PAHO providing technical support. Given strong community engagement, sessions will continue in 2025. Teatime in the Tropics represents a pivotal step toward a more inclusive, elder-friendly society – where all can age with dignity, purpose, and support.
Vaccination saves lives – measles outbreak, Turks and Caicos Islands
A measles outbreak in the territory resulted in a search for active cases, heightened surveillance, and social mobilization, with support from PAHO.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services conducted a “mop-up” of children. A 5-month-old child was vaccinated during the outbreak. Educational material disseminated by the Ministry enabled the mother to realize her daughter had been vaccinated too early and therefore gave another MMR vaccine when the child turned one year of age, as recommended.
“Immunizing my child and keeping her up to date with her vaccinations is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made as a parent. With the threat of so many diseases and infections, it’s crucial for us as a community to protect our children, build their resistance, and prevent the spread of these contagious and preventable diseases,” said Johnna Messam.
Strengthening surveillance in The Bahamas
Events supposedly attributable to vaccination or immunization (ESAVI) constitute a critical element of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Hence, the ESAVI training and introduction to the manual were especially important for the advancement of the EPI team and program. The categorization of ESAVI, be they serious or nonserious, helps the program to identify issues that require intervention. In any event, public health awareness of these events is necessary to ensure confidence in and compliance with the program.
“We are grateful to the Pan American Health Organization for their invaluable contribution in organizing the training and creating a manual that helps guide and standardize the practice of EPI in the Bahamas,” said Nurse Gina Rose, EPI coordinator.
Our partners
- The Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority. Through the One Health initiative, collaboration on surveillance and diagnostics to reduce risks to human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
- Canada. Supports PAHO’s programmatic efforts related to strengthening national capacities for preparedness and response to health emergencies, with a focus on immunization.
- Disaster Risk Management Authority, The Bahamas. Collaborates on disaster-resilient health infrastructure, strengthening health systems, and enhanced health information systems.
- Healthy Bahamas Coalition, The Bahamas. Ongoing collaboration on reducing unnecessary deaths and disability caused by noncommunicable diseases.
- Inter-American Development Bank. Ongoing partnership focuses on advancing health sector initiatives with a focus on information systems, gender-based violence, and guideline/protocol development.
- Ministry of Health and Human Services, Turks and Caicos Islands. Responsible for the oversight and development of a robust and efficient health system that meets the priority health needs of the population.
- Ministry of Health and Wellness, The Bahamas. Ensures that the highest quality of services for health promotion, health protection, and health care are accessible to all.
- National Health Insurance Authority, The Bahamas. Provides accessible, affordable, and quality health care for the well-being of all.
- Public Hospitals Authority, The Bahamas. Responsible for the management and development of public hospitals, Grand Bahama Community Clinics, and Supplies Management Agency.
- Universal Health Coverage Partnership. Supports PAHO in strengthening national health systems so that everyone, everywhere, can receive the health care they need without financial hardship.
- US Agency for International Development. Supports PAHO’s programmatic efforts related to strengthening national capacities for preparedness for and response to health emergencies.
Photograph: © iStock/Ridofranz
Thinking regionally,
acting locally
2024 Country Annual Reports
of the Pan American Health Organization