The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has named a regional emergency operations centre in honour of the late Dr Carissa Etienne.
The Carissa F. Etienne Emergency Operations Centre, located in Barbados, was officially inaugurated on Wednesday and will serve Barbados and the countries of the Eastern Caribbean.
The Dominican-born Dr Etienne served as Director of PAHO and Regional Director for the Americas at the World Health Organization (WHO) from February 2013 to January 2023.
Describing the center, PAHO and WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, said:
“This Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will serve as a vital hub, strengthening PAHO’s ability to coordinate timely and effective responses across the 13 countries and territories included in this multi-country initiative. It will also enhance the capacity of our decentralized public health emergency team, ensuring we are better equipped to support Member States during times of crisis.”
Dr Del Riego noted that naming the EOC after Dr Carissa Faustina Etienne, Director Emeritus of PAHO, was a fitting tribute to her. She highlighted Dr Etienne’s exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication to public health, and her significant contributions to strengthening health security and emergency preparedness across the Americas.
Acknowledging that Dr Etienne’s vision and persistent advocacy were crucial in making the project a reality, Dr Del Riego expressed confidence that her legacy would continue to guide and inspire the operation of the new facility.
Meanwhile, Barbados’ Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Jerome Walcott, said the launch of the Carissa F Etienne EOC is timely, as 17 named storms, including nine hurricanes, have already been predicted for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
“Given these projections and our past experiences, the launch of this Health Emergency Operations Centre could not be more timely,” he said.
“I fully expect that this Centre will enable us, as a region, to work more closely together, not only in responding to emergencies but also in preparing for them,” he added.
He called the naming of the centre a well-deserved recognition of Dr Etienne’s outstanding contribution to public health in the region, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Loopnews
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