WILLEMSTAD – Minister of Public Health Javier Silvania Boekhoudt met with representatives of the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) on March 12, 2026, as part of an official mission to Curaçao aimed at strengthening technical cooperation in public health.
The PAHO delegation was led by Dr. Gabriel Vivas Francesconi, PAHO/WHO representative for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The delegation also included Dr. Michelle Harris, advisor on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health.
During the meeting with Minister Boekhoudt, several key challenges facing Curaçao’s healthcare system were discussed. These included the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, as well as the impact of an aging population on the growing demand for healthcare services.
The discussions also focused on the importance of maintaining a financially sustainable healthcare system and strengthening prevention and primary healthcare.
Minister Boekhoudt emphasized that the Government of Curaçao is working on reforms aimed at making the healthcare system more future-proof, while maintaining accessibility and quality of care for all residents.
The PAHO delegation reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting Curaçao in strengthening its healthcare system and improving public health outcomes.
During the visit, discussions also took place regarding the development of a Country Cooperation Strategy between Curaçao and PAHO, which is expected to formalize and deepen collaboration in the coming years.
The Government of Curaçao anticipates that cooperation with PAHO and WHO will intensify in the future as part of efforts to improve the health and well-being of the people of Curaçao.