In speaking with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Lewis

explained the role of PAHO/WHO regional offices. She stated, “We are an international technical cooperation agency. We work with countries to help them achieve their goals and aspirations for their national health development”.

Among other functions, she shared that the regional office assisted countries with

capacity building and supported training in new areas of endeavour.

Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Dr. Irad Potter also spoke with the Department of Information and Public Relations and stated, “PAHO/WHO has always been very supportive of the public health initiatives implemented by the Government, and has provided technical support for various

programmes over the years, and we look forward to this continued support.”

Dr. Potter shared that among other initiatives, over the next two years the Government hoped to engage the technical support of PAHO/WHO to strengthen the

current health system and to improve the health legislation, particularly, the revision of the Public Health Act.

The Chief Medical Officer added that the Government also seeks to strengthen

the provisions in law for the implementation of the International Health Regulations.

He noted that in the area of Mental Health, the Ministry of Health and Social

Development will seek to develop a new Mental Health Policy and to finalise the new Mental Health Act.

As it related to the recently tabled Chronic Disease Strategy, Dr. Potter advised that PAHO/WHO will be assisting with the development of a Chronic Disease Plan which is expected to be the implementation tool for the Strategy over the next few

years.

Dr. Lewis arrived in the Territory last Tuesday and was accompanied by Country

Programme Specialist, Ms. Katrina Smith.

During the three-day visit Dr. Lewis paid courtesy calls to the Premier, Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith; His Excellency the Governor, Boyd McCleary, CMG, CVO; and Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton where the three

officials were presented with her credentials of appointment.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development provides leadership that promotes health, social wellness and a safe environment as positive resources for

healthy living.