The former director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, died Friday of an apparent heart failure at her residence in the United States.
Etienne, who recently retired after 10 years as director, was declared Director-Emeritus on September 30, 2022, at the 30th Pan American Sanitary Conference.
She was 71 years old.
Following the shocking news of her death, the Dominica government issued a statement, stating it was “saddened” at the death of Dr. Etienne, whom it described as a “distinguished Dominican”.
Before serving as Director of PAHO, Dr. Etienne served as Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organization from 2008 –2013; Assistant Director of the Pan American Health Organization from 2003 – 2008; and Director of Primary Health Care Services in the Ministry of Health in Dominica from 1989 –2001.
“Under her guidance as Director of Primary Healthcare, Dominica achieved universal coverage for all primary care programs, with immunization coverage rates of 95 per cent; 90 per cent coverage for prenatal care and deliveries by trained birth attendants; access to continuous care for chronic non-communicable disease; country-wide community empowerment and participation; and health education integrated into community care,” the Dominica government stated.
Dr. Etienne also previously served as Dominica’s chief medical officer, coordinator of the National HIV/AIDS Programme, national epidemiologist, and medical director at the then Princess Margaret Hospital.