Virgin Islands Mourns Public Health Pioneer Dr. Carissa Etienne

The Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands following the passing of Dr. Carissa Etienne, Director Emeritus and former Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Honourable Wheatley, reflecting on Dr. Etienne’s profound contributions, stated, “Dr. Etienne has left an indelible mark in the area of global and regional public health. Her career is worthy of emulation.”

Acknowledging Dr. Etienne’s significant impact, particularly as the former Assistant Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Honourable Wheatley highlighted her pivotal role in shaping the public health landscape regionally and internationally. He emphasized the invaluable benefits derived by the Virgin Islands, stating, “We here in the VI also benefited tremendously from her vision, leadership, and drive to advance public health in the Americas.”

Dr. Etienne’s remarkable accomplishments included her dedication to advancing Universal Health to provide equity for vulnerable, rural, and underserved populations. She tirelessly worked towards improving governance and stewardship in health, financing for health, and intersectoral action to address the social determinants of health. Dr. Etienne led PAHO’s initiatives to eliminate diseases such as HIV, malaria, trachoma, lymphatic filariasis, Chagas, and others. Her efforts also extended to mobilizing programs aimed at preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases.

In a poignant tribute, Honourable Wheatley remarked, “We have lost a visionary, pioneer, and stalwart in the area of public health. As we reflect on her significant contributions and her life’s work, we will be forever grateful and appreciative for the commitment, love, and respect that she had for her Caribbean counterparts. May her Soul Rest in Peace.”

A press release issued by PAHO confirmed the unfortunate passing of Dr. Etienne early this morning at her residence in Maryland, USA. The release provided insights into her illustrious career, commencing as a medical officer in her native Dominica at the Princess Margaret Hospital. Dr. Etienne later ascended to the position of Chief Medical Officer and held various high-level posts in Dominica, including Director of Primary Health Care Services, Coordinator of the National AIDS Program, and Disaster Coordinator for the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Etienne’s academic journey included obtaining her medical degree (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery-MBBS) from the University of the West Indies, Jamaica. She further pursued her Master of Science Degree (MSc) in Community Health in Developing Countries from the prestigious London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London.