Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor Cornelius de Weever recently delivered an overwhelming speech on the floor of PAHO’s 52nd Directing Council meeting in Washington DC to an applause from many delegates.
Minister De Weever addressed the subject of the "Revolving Fund" from St. Maarten’s perspective. Minister stated during his speech that St. Maarten has been able to provide vaccination coverage to newborns, children and adolescents by purchasing affordable vaccines through the "Revolving Fund."
"Based on the available data we have been successful in reaching our target groups. On average we have an above 90% coverage in our programs. Our aim for 2014 is to increase the overall coverage to above 95%," said Minister De Weever on the floor of PAHO.
The Minister further stated that thanks to the "Revolving Fund" St. Maarten is now able to introduce two new vaccines, namely HPV and pneumococol vaccine, and the minister stated St. Maarten is extremely grateful for this.
"On behalf of the people of St. Maarten we propose to adopt the resolution without amendments and considering that time is of the essence and we should always be efficient with our time, we look forward to the final resolution without any delay," said Minister De Weever.
Minister further stated on the floor of PAHO that "each delegate in this esteemed chamber is in a global relay race, we have to do our share locally, regionally and internationally and then pass it on to those coming behind us. Let us make sure we do what is right for those who need it most."
The Pan American Health Organization World Health Organization (PAHO) 52nd Directing Council-65th session of the Regional Committee took place in Washington DC from September 30-October 4, 2013. Some of the resolutions pending adoption were "Plan of Action for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases," and "Chronic Kidney disease in Agricultural Communities in Central America." Other items handled during the meetings were: PAHO program and budget; Implementation of the International Health Regulations; Evidence-based policy making for National Immunization Programs amongst others.