SINT MAARTEN/WASHINGTON, D.C. - Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Hon. Claret Connor, marked two significant moments during the 63rd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO): the signing of Sint Maarten’s 2026–2031 Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) with PAHO/WHO and delivering a statement on behalf of the four countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The six-year CCS establishes the framework for cooperation between PAHO/WHO and the Government of Sint Maarten in support of the country’s national health priorities and VSA’s National Health Strategy.
The Strategy focuses on three main priorities: strengthening people-centered health care; reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions; and strengthening disease surveillance and the control of communicable diseases. It also supports work in areas including digital transformation, health equity and emergency preparedness.
“This gives us a clear direction for the next six years. We know where the gaps are and where we need support, such as our capacity to collect, connect, and use health data effectively. Through this framework, we can work with PAHO on the technical support, systems and capacity we need to strengthen surveillance and improve how we use data to guide public health decisions,” Minister Connor stated.
Minister Connor also took the time to thank the Ministry’s team, the technical staff of PAHO and Dr. Vivas, the representative for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius and his team in Trinidad for the work and collaboration that went into making the CCS possible.
During the Directing Council this morning, Minister Connor also had the honor of speaking on behalf of the four countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, during discussions on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The Kingdom statement emphasized the need to address antimicrobial resistance through a One Health approach, recognizing the connection between human, animal, plant and environmental health. It also highlighted prevention, responsible antimicrobial use, equitable access and innovation.
“For our islands, cooperation is essential. We have specific challenges with capacity and resources. We have to make sure that regional solutions also work for our realities.”
The two moments underscored Sint Maarten’s continued engagement with PAHO and its regional and Kingdom partners, while strengthening opportunities for technical cooperation to support the country’s public health priorities.
