Tribute to Dr. Carissa Etienne

Permanent Council · Regular meeting
Organization of American States, Washington, D.C.

Ambassador Josué Fiallo, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic

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Video of the statement, delivered in Spanish. As you read on, the player follows you in a corner of the screen.

Translated from the Spanish original, which is the authoritative text.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Distinguished ambassadors, we gather today to pay tribute to an emblematic figure of public health in our region: Dr. Carissa Etienne. Her passing leaves us with a deep void, but also with a priceless legacy of dedication and service that will endure through time.

Dr. Etienne, during her term, exemplified what it means to be a leader who changes things. Under her strategic guidance, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reached notable milestones that have left an indelible mark on the health of our region. We recall how, under her leadership, the efforts of preparedness for and response to the Zika and chikungunya epidemics, as well as the outbreaks of cholera and yellow fever in several of our countries, were conducted successfully. Her vision made it possible to improve significantly PAHO's response to all the emergencies and disasters declared in the region, reducing response time considerably.

Under Dr. Etienne's direction, the Americas became the first region of the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate the endemic transmission of measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome. The eradication of onchocerciasis in four of the six endemic countries, of trachoma in one country, and the progress toward certification of the elimination of malaria are only some of the examples of her lasting impact. In addition, under her direction, seven countries and territories achieved the dual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and congenital syphilis.

Dr. Etienne was also a tireless advocate of the prevention and control of chronic noncommunicable diseases through legislative and regulatory mechanisms. Her effort to strengthen national health systems and services and to advance toward universal health resulted in significant improvements, such as the increase in births attended by trained personnel and the establishment of comprehensive financing strategies for universal health coverage in twenty-five countries.

In her earlier roles at WHO and at PAHO itself, she had already led efforts to renew primary health care and to strengthen health systems based on primary care, promoting integrated health systems. She also led WHO's global agenda to support universal access to safe and effective medical products and the development of the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel.

Her departure reminds us of the impermanence of life, but her legacy is a testimony to what can be achieved with passion, dedication and an unbreakable commitment to improving the health and well-being of people.

Today, on behalf of the Dominican Republic and in my capacity as Permanent Representative, I wish to express our condolences, as well as our deepest respect and recognition for her remarkable contribution to public health in the Americas and beyond. Her work has touched countless lives and will remain a source of inspiration for future generations.

May her memory be a guide and a beacon in the continuing struggle for a healthier and more equitable world.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.