Health

PAHO Mourns Former Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne

It is with great sorrow that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) informs of the passing of Director Emeritus Dr. Carissa F. Etienne.

Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, a native of Dominica, served as Director of PAHO and Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Americas from February 2013 to January 2023.

“Carissa was a dear friend and colleague, and under her steadfast leadership and guidance, PAHO achieved significant milestones for the region of the Americas while facing one of our greatest public health challenges with COVID-19,” PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said. “I am very saddened by her passing, and my thoughts are with her family, friends and all of us at PAHO who cared deeply for her.”

During Dr. Etienne’s tenure, PAHO led the response to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic in the region of the Americas, as well as efforts to control Zika and chikungunya epidemics and cholera and yellow fever outbreaks in Haiti and Brazil, while significantly improving the Organization’s response to emergencies and disasters within 48 hours.

Under her leadership, the Americas eliminated the endemic transmission of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome, and made considerable strides in the prevention and control of chronic non-communicable diseases. Legislative and regulatory mechanisms gained traction, as countries enacted legislation on the labelling of food products and introduced taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages.

Advances were also made in strengthening national health systems and in progress toward universal health. In the last five years of Dr. Etienne’s mandate, deliveries by skilled birth attendants increased from 95% to nearly 100% and, for the first time, the Region of the Americas reached the recommended target of 25 physicians and nurses per 10,000 people.

Prior to becoming PAHO Director, from March 2008 to November 2012, Dr. Etienne served as Assistant Director-General for Health Systems and Services at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. Before that, she served as Assistant Director of the Pan American Sanitary Bureau from July 2003 to February 2008, where she led five technical areas: Health Systems and Services; Technology, Health Care, and Research; Health Surveillance and Disease Management; Family and Community Health; and Sustainable Development and Environmental Health.

During her tenure at both WHO and PAHO, Dr. Etienne directed efforts to renew and strengthen health systems based on primary health care. She has also spearheaded policies for reducing health inequalities increasing people-centered care and integrating health into broader public policies.

“We have lost a great public health champion,” Dr. Barbosa said. “Dr. Etienne’s invaluable experience will be sorely missed in global health discussions to improve the lives of people and to ensure better preparedness for global health emergencies.”

Dr. Etienne began her career in her native Dominica as a medical officer at the Princess Margaret Hospital and was later appointed as the Chief Medical Officer of that country. She has also served in other high-level posts in Dominica, including as Director of Primary Health Care Services, Coordinator of the National AIDS Program, Disaster Coordinator for the Ministry of Health, and Chair of the National Advisory Council for HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Etienne received her medical degree (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery-MBBS) from the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, and her Master of Science Degree (MSc) in Community Health in Developing Countries from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London. (PR/GIS)

Health

Team RUBIS gets set to Walk for the Cure in 2024

RUBIS will Walk for the Cure in 2024, supporting the Company’s silver sponsorship of the annual fundraiser, which is organised by the Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme in partnership with CIBC Caribbean.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 6^th, 2024, and Team RUBIS will be out in full force as 103 staff members, their families, and friends join the effort to raise awareness about breast cancer. The event also generates essential funds for purchasing equipment and other critical resources needed by the Breast Screening Programme.

Mellissa Broomes, Brand Marketing Specialist, underscored RUBIS’ commitment to the cause, stating: “We are proud to support the Walk for the Cure, recognising the significance of this cause and its role in educating the community. This initiative is vital in raising both awareness and funds in the fight against cancer, and we are honoured to contribute to such a meaningful and impactful cause.”

Sonya Alleyne, Treasurer of the Breast Screening Programme of the Barbados Cancer Society, welcomed RUBIS’ involvement.

“The Breast Screening Programme of the Barbados Cancer Society is thrilled to welcome Team RUBIS on board as a sponsor for the Walk for the Cure event on Oct 6, 2024. We are mindful that there is a great demand on your marketing spend and are thankful that you chose to invest your dollars in this extremely important area. Your dollars go to ensure that breast cancer screening is done with cutting-edge equipment and diagnostic tools. This way, we can detect breast cancer early and commence lifesaving treatment. Early detection is your BEST protection,” Ms. Alleyne stated.

With its contribution, RUBIS continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility, supporting critical health initiatives that positively impact the lives of Barbadians. (PR)

CAPTION: L-R – Rudolph Smith (RUBIS Sports Club), Sonya Alleyne (Treasurer, Breast Screening Programme), Elsa Yearwood-Gill (RUBIS Sports Club), and Mellissa Broomes (RUBIS Brand Marketing Specialist).

Health

Walk for the Cure Activity Heats up

Activity surrounding the largest walk-for-a-cause in the Eastern Caribbean heats up, as plans are confirmed for the Walk for the Cure which takes place on Sunday 6^th October 2024 starting at 3.30 p.m.

Walk Manager for the BSP Michelle Straughn indicating the location of a tent to one of the sponsors while Samantha Suttle Walk Manager for the bank (front) speaks to Daveny Ellis of DL Smith Productions.

Interest is high from corporate sponsors and their staff who are ready to take part in the walk, as well as the numerous vendors who will be on hand for the expected 20,000 people who will be either walking or running for the Breast Screening Programme (BSP) of the Barbados Cancer Society.

*Walk Manager for the BSP Michelle Straughn indicating to the sponsors one of the locations for their banners with Walk Manager for CIBC Samantha Suttle behind her.*

Many of the sponsors and vendors were on hand for the site visit on Thursday to see where they would physically set up their tents and banners and also get a final briefing on the route which starts at Warrens again this year. (PR)

Health

PwC in the Caribbean makes donation to Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Ross Parker, PwC East Caribbean Territory Leader, proudly announced a donation of BDS$30,000 to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados. The announcement happened at a PwC cocktail reception attended by the PwC network firms operating in the Caribbean’s core leadership team, the local PwC partnership, and key PwC clients and contacts from corporate Barbados.

The NICU at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital plays a critical role in providing specialised care to newborns, particularly those born prematurely or with medical complications. It also supports obstetrics and gynaecology with antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum emergencies. This donation will assist with the purchase of much needed equipment that will help to improve overall patient care. These enhancements are vital for ensuring that the most vulnerable of newborns receive the best possible start in life.

When announcing the donation Ross Parker said, “At PwC, we believe in giving back to the communities that support us. We want to thank the NICU, its doctors and staff for their tireless work and dedication to treating those in need. They’ve provided critical care to the children of many of our PwC colleagues, families and friends, for which we are so grateful. This donation to the NICU underscores our commitment to supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve, making a positive impact where it matters the most. We are honoured to contribute to the health and future of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean’s youngest citizens, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

PwC had the honour of presenting the cheque to Dr. Angela Jennings and Dr. Gillian Birchwood. Dr. Birchwood expressed her gratitude on behalf of the NICU, highlighting that the donation will significantly enhance the vital care provided to newborns.

Caption: From left to right: Ross Parker, PwC East Caribbean Territory Leader, Dr. Angela Jennings, Head of the Pediatrics Dept, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Dr. Gillian Birchwood, Head of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. (PR)