WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN), in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), has launched a national stakeholder consultation to develop Curaçao’s Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) for the period 2026–2031.
Governor of Curaçao Mauritsz de Kort officially opened the two-day consultation. Minister of GMN Tyron Boekhoudt and Secretary General of GMN Sharlon Melfor also addressed participants during the opening session.
The consultation brings together representatives from government, healthcare institutions, social organizations, knowledge and research institutions, and other partners to jointly determine the strategic direction and health priorities that will guide cooperation between Curaçao and PAHO/WHO in the coming years.
The broad participation reflects the shared responsibility involved in improving public health. According to GMN, decisions that influence population health are not made exclusively within the healthcare sector but are also connected to education, the environment, economic development, social welfare and the ability of communities to adapt and recover from challenges.
Growing healthcare challenges
The consultation takes place at an important moment for Curaçao. Like many countries, the island faces challenges including an aging population, increasing demand for healthcare services and rising healthcare costs.
At the same time, the government maintains the ambition of ensuring that all residents have access to high-quality and affordable healthcare.
During the consultation, participants will discuss the proposed strategic priorities for the 2026–2031 period. These include:
- Strengthening an integrated primary healthcare system focused on the individual, while improving resilience against the effects of climate change throughout all stages of life.
- Improving prevention, control and integrated management of infectious and non-communicable diseases.
- Further developing a strong, sustainable and efficient healthcare system prepared for future challenges.
These priorities align with Curaçao’s national health ambitions, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principle of Universal Health Coverage.
Framework for future cooperation
The Country Cooperation Strategy will serve as the framework for closer collaboration between Curaçao and PAHO/WHO in the coming years. The consultation will not only focus on identifying strategic priorities but also on defining concrete results and actions that will guide the partnership.
GMN emphasized that a strong healthcare system is not only an investment in better medical care, but also contributes to social equality, economic development and Curaçao’s ability to withstand and recover from future challenges.
The ministry expressed its appreciation for the continued support of PAHO/WHO and thanked all participating organizations and professionals for their commitment and contributions to the process.
The outcomes of the consultation will form the foundation for a broadly supported Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2031, through which Curaçao and PAHO/WHO will continue working together toward a healthier, stronger and more resilient future for all residents.