Dominica officially launches Primary Health Care Week to honor the late PAHO Director's global health legacy through nationwide screenings.
Dominica: The Government of Dominica has officially established Primary Health Care Week as an inaugural event to honour the lasting legacy of Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, who passed away in December of 2023.
On Monday, April 13, 2026, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services shared that it has dedicated Primary Health Care Week to Dr. Carissa Etienne, the former Director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). The week will now be formally known as the Dr. Carissa Etienne Primary Health Care Week.
The announcement was formally made by the Minister of Health, Wellness and Social Services, Cassanni Laville, who shared a powerful message about the life of Dr. Etienne, whilst announcing this news to the general public.
“Today, I speak not just to inform, but to declare! This week, as we observe National Public Health Week, the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, through the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, proudly names it in honour of one of our own, Dr. Carissa Etienne, the global champion of public health,” announced Minister Cassanni Laville.
He further added, “Dr Etienne carried the strength, resilience and spirit of Dominica to the highest levels of international health leadership; it is only fitting that we honour her legacy by strengthening what she stood for.”
Dr. Carissa Etienne Primary Health Care Week opened on Monday, April 13, 2026, and will carry on until Friday, April 17, 2026. According to the Ministry, the week will feature various health activities, including an adolescent rally on April 15, a health symposium and recognition ceremony on April 16 and a youth symposium on April 17.
The health symposium and recognition ceremony will take place at the Amphitheatre at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital from 9 a.m., while the youth symposium is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Christian Assembly Ministries in Salisbury.
Minister Laville has stressed the importance of primary healthcare, encouraging the citizens to use the week to “visit the health centres, get screened and take charge of your health.”
He ended his address by thanking all primary healthcare workers (nurses, cleaners, aides, drivers, and support staff) in the country for their dedication and hard work, stating that their service is what ‘gives life’ to the Government’s national commitment.