CASTRIES, St. Lucia – St. Lucia has become the first country in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to fully implement the regional Enhancing Health Infrastructure and Resilience project.
The government said that the implementation is part of a three million US dollar project funded by Direct Relief, a California-based nonprofit organization, and executed in collaboration with the OECS Commission.
The authorities say the donation of vital medical equipment under this initiative addresses critical gaps in the country’s health infrastructure, especially as St. Lucia and the wider region continue to recover from disasters such as Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“By fortifying the resilience of our health systems, our member states will be better equipped to navigate health emergencies and crisis, ensuring that our populations continue to receive care even amidst adversity. This commitment ultimately contributes to the establishment of more sustainable health care systems within our member states,” said Dr. Roxanne Brizan-St. Martin, Programme Director for Health, Social Inclusion and Social Protection at the OECS Commission.
The newly donated equipment, including oxygen concentrators, comes at a critical time when public health systems must be agile and responsive and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Jenny Daniel, said the donation highlights St. Lucia’s “commitment to ensuring that we have the necessary equipment and facilities in place to support continued treatment, even during disruptions caused by pandemics or natural disasters.
“Our priority is to preserve life and minimize the risk of premature death aligning squarely with the ministry’s mandate. I also want to express our gratitude to the OECS Commission for their ongoing collaboration and support across various initiatives, including HIV, tuberculosis, and other important health projects where they have provided invaluable assistance,” Daniel added.
The authorities say the project also serves as a model of what can be achieved through regional solidarity, planning, and stakeholder engagement.
“Through collaborative efforts with the OECS Commission and Direct Relief, and with careful planning, the procurement of oxygen concentrators will significantly enhance healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes for the people of St. Lucia,” said Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Moses Jn Baptiste.
“This strategic alliance supports key health development priorities of the OECS Commission, while also aligning with the mandate of Direct Relief. The government of St. Lucia extends sincere gratitude to both Direct Relief and the OECS Commission for this invaluable contribution,” he added.
