PAHO Suriname Office Holds Stakeholder Meeting to Discuss Biennial Work Plan 2024-2025

This was done by bringing together key stakeholders from the health sector such as representatives from various government bodies, health organizations and hospitals in attendance.

Stakeholders who attended the meeting included the Ministry of Health, Public Health, Medical Mission, Regional Health Department, and representatives from several hospitals. The meeting aimed to chart a course for the country's health sector over the next two years, with a focus on aligning priorities and sharing strategic goals.

At the heart of the discussion were the strategic priorities outlined in the PAHO Country Cooperation Strategy 2023-2025 document. These priorities, which will guide the Biennial Work Plan for 2024-2025, include:

• Strategic Priority 1: Stewardship and governance strengthened to advance the essential public health functions.
• Strategic Priority 2: Advanced implementation of universal health coverage and access through the strengthening of health systems.
• Strategic Priority 3: Reduction in morbidity and mortality utilizing an intersectoral and inclusive healthy life course approach and promotion of health.
• Strategic Priority 4: Disaster preparedness and emergency response strengthened.

These strategic priorities reflect PAHO's commitment to improving public health in Suriname through multifaceted approaches, emphasizing the importance of robust governance, accessible health services, public health promotion, and disaster preparedness.

In addition to discussing these overarching priorities, the meeting also featured PAHO technical officers providing comprehensive overviews of the areas of expertise pertaining to ongoing projects. These areas of focus are crucial for the realization of the strategic priorities and the overall enhancement of public health in Suriname. The PAHO technical officers presented updates and reviews for the period 2022-2023 on the following areas:

• NCD and Mental Health: Addressing non-communicable diseases and mental health issues is integral to the comprehensive well-being of the population.
• Health Systems Strengthening: The strengthening of health systems is essential to ensure that healthcare services are efficient, accessible, and of high quality.
• Health through the Life Course and Immunization: Promoting health across the life course, from infants to the elderly, and ensuring comprehensive immunization programs are key aspects of public health.
• Social and Environmental Determinants of Health: Recognizing the impact of social and environmental factors on health outcomes and addressing these determinants is a critical component of public health initiatives.
• Communicable Diseases and Elimination: The management and elimination of communicable diseases, such as infectious diseases, are essential for safeguarding public health.
• Public Health Emergencies: Being prepared to respond to public health emergencies, from disease outbreaks to natural disasters, is vital for protecting the health and well-being of the population.

The meeting was a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders in Suriname's health sector. By sharing the strategic priorities and ongoing projects, PAHO and its partners aim to streamline efforts, allocate resources effectively, and make significant strides in improving public health and healthcare delivery in the country over the next biennium.

The PAHO Suriname office is committed to working in close partnership with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the Biennial Work Plan 2024-2025, advancing the public health landscape and enhancing the well-being of the Surinamese population.