In a strategic effort to enhance Saint Lucia’s health emergency preparedness and response capacity, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), embarked on a comprehensive review of its National Multi-Hazard Health Sector Disaster Management Plan. This initiative formed part of a five-day workshop aimed at reinforcing national resilience against public health emergencies and natural disasters. 

The workshop brought together key stakeholders in health and disaster management to strengthen existing frameworks and to develop an updated Pandemic Preparedness Plan that integrated lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies. 

According to Joanne Persard, PAHO Advisor for Health Emergencies, the Ministry of Health played a central role in responding to communicable diseases, and workshops like these were essential for building robust systems of preparedness.

“PAHO is on a constant journey with member states to support health emergency preparedness, including conducting simulation exercises, planning, and training. The goal is to ensure countries are equipped to handle emergencies, both health-related and otherwise. This current review strengthens the alignment of Saint Lucia’s multi-hazard response plan and pandemic preparedness efforts by focusing on improving internal coordination and response mechanisms within the health sector and elsewhere,” added PAHO Advisor for Health Emergencies Joanne Persard. 

The review process also leveraged internationally recognized tools such as PAHO’s Strategic Tool for Assessing Risks (STAR) and the World Health Organization’s Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) framework. These instruments helped local authorities assess risks, identify capacity gaps, and implement effective, evidence-based preparedness strategies. 

Dr. Delphina Vernor, Senior Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health, emphasized the practical value of the initiative. “This multi-hazard plan review allows us to revisit our existing protocols and identify areas for improvement. It ensures that, when there is an impending disaster or public health threat, we are not reactive, but instead, proactively implementing a coordinated response that protects lives and resources,” Dr. Vernor explained. 

This review marked a pivotal step in Saint Lucia’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its national health security framework. By addressing gaps exposed during past emergencies, the country became better positioned to mitigate the impact of future crises on its people, economy, and healthcare infrastructure.