Senior Managers of the HSA, Minister for Health Hon. Osbourne Bodden along with Ministry’s Chief Officer Jennifer Ahearn and other officials met with Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Representative of Jamaica, Bermuda & Cayman Islands, Margareta Skold (stationed in Jamaica) earlier this month to develop a strategic Biennial Work Plan for 2014-15.

The work plan is developed to align with PAHO’s strategic plan 2014/19 and aims to reduce the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, promoting good health at key stages of life, strengthening health systems based on primary health care and universal health coverage. It also works to decrease morbidity, mortality and social disruption resulting from epidemics and disasters through preparedness, surveillance and response.

During the meeting, Ms. Skold expressed her pleasure in working with the Cayman Islands Government and reassured Minister Bodden that PAHO will offer technical support in the areas of HIV/AIDS, Hypertension, Childhood Obesity, Adolescent Health and Mental Health Policy in the upcoming Biennial Work Plan.

Minister Bodden expressed his vision of well-being for the nation and the delivery of high quality health care.  He thanked Ms. Skold for PAHO’s continued technical assistance, especially in the development of the National Health Plan.

Minister Bodden further commented that, “I appreciate PAHO’s support in the development of the National Health Policy and Strategic Plan for the Cayman Islands 2012-17 and am delighted to have the support in 2014-15 to develop the operational plans for the implementation of our Strategic Plan.”

Photo Caption: Taken by GIS Information Officer Bina Mani

PAHO/WHO Representative Margareta Skold (left) met with Hon. Minister for Health Osbourne Bodden, Medical Officer of Health, Dr Kumar, along with Chief Officer Jennifer Ahearn and other Ministry officials.