Tweet

 

 

Basseterre, St.Kitts (Friday May 18th, 2018):_The health challenges that we face today are becoming more complex and difficult to address. Globalization makes it easier for infectious diseases to spread across borders. Health issues such as mental illness and chronic diseases impact people across the globe. Developed and developing countries have systemic challenges that impact the health of their populations. Addressing these challenges goes beyond anything that one country or one sector can do on its own.

The Honourable Eugene Hamilton, Senior Minister of Health, leaves the federation today Friday May 17^th for the 71st World Health Assembly next week in Geneva, where health leaders and experts will gather to discuss the health challenges facing the world today, and agree to collaborative actions to address them.

The assembly will also bring some focus on universal health care .

Earlier this year Minister Hamilton launched the Universal Healthcare Insurance Commission and contracted the University of the West Indies health economics unit to design the plan for consideration by the cabinet

 

The commission has already commenced its work and will engage the public in a series of consultations during the year

Hon. Hamilton has indicated that he will address the assembly during the plenary session on Wednesday bringing attention to the adverse outcomes of global decisions affecting health

He stated that as part of his presentation he will emphasize the important need for nation states to focus on prevention as a means to reduce the escalating costs of intrusive cures

 

Hon. Hamilton is expected to return next week to continue his focus on delivering universal health coverage to all citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis