Dominica Planning Official Funeral For Former PAHO Director Dr. Carissa Etienne

ROSEAU, Dominica – Dominica's government says it is planning to hold an official funeral for the former director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa Etienne, who died in the United States on December 1.

Dr. Carissa Etienne (PAHO photo)Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, said that his administration has been in touch with the family of the Dominican-born Dr. Etienne on the matter.

“The government of Dominica has been in contact with Dr. Etienne’s family informing them of a Cabinet decision to grant her an official funeral in honour of her outstanding contribution to Dominica and the world,” Prime Minister Skerrit said, adding “details of this will be shared with the public at a later date.

“Dr. Etienne was a monumental figure in public healthcare here in Dominica, in the region and globally. She made her mark as director of the Pan American Health Organization for two terms and served also in key leadership roles to the World Health Organization,” Skerrit said.

He said that as an advocate for universal health coverage, Dr. Etienne was particularly effective and inspiring for her work in reducing health inequalities and caring for people, “as well as for leading PAHO’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Zika and Chikungunya epidemics.

“Dr. Etienne led Dominica to a place of distinction in the provision of primary health care to our citizens.  She was very much involved in the primary healthcare programme,” Skerrit said, adding that “among Dominicans, I think she will be remembered best for her work at the local level as a physician and public health administrator and certainly for her kindness, warmth and love for people”.

The 71-year-old Dr. Etienne had served for 10 years at the helm of PAHO and was declared Director-Emeritus on September 30, 2022.

PAHO said under her leadership, it spearheaded the response to one of the greatest public health challenges the Americas and the world have faced: the COVID-19 pandemic; and navigated the region through unprecedented challenges, multiple devastating disasters of natural origin and complex humanitarian crises.

“We will remember her fondly for her joyous spirit, deep faith in God, and comforting smile during difficult times,” it added.