Under One Umbrella: Curaçao and PAHO Launch a Shared Vision for Health

Willemstad, Curaçao, 16 July 2026 - What do an umbrella and a health strategy have in common? More than one might think.

An umbrella brings people together under a common purpose, offering protection, direction, and resilience in changing conditions. That spirit was evident throughout a two-day national consultation that marked a historic milestone for Curaçao: the development of the country's first PAHO/WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2026-2031.

Convened by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in collaboration with Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) the consultation brought together 52 multidisciplinary participants from government, health institutions, civil society, academia, and development partners to define a shared roadmap for improving health and well-being in Curaçao over the next five years.

The event was officially opened by His Excellency Governor Mauritsz de Kort, alongside Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Tyron Boekhoudt and Secretary General Sharlon Melfor, underscoring the national importance of the process. PAHO was represented by Dr. Gabriel Vivas Francesconi, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Caribbean Islands; Souad Lakhdim, Country Program Advisor from PAHO Headquarters; and a multidisciplinary technical team.

The PAHO team and MOH management in the Curaçao Country Cooperation Strategy consultation gather under the shared umbrella of partnership, collaboration, and a common vision for health.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Vivas described the consultation as "the beginning of a new chapter" in the partnership between Curaçao and PAHO. While PAHO has supported the country for more than a decade, the CCS will provide the first formal framework to align technical cooperation with Curaçao's national priorities and aspirations for the future.

The consultation took place at a pivotal moment for the country. Like many nations across the Americas, Curaçao is navigating a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases, population ageing, climate-related health risks, workforce challenges, and increasing demands on health services. At the same time, these challenges present opportunities to innovate, strengthen resilience, and advance more people-centered systems of care.

Guided by the vision of Curaçao's Blue Wave, participants discussed strategic priorities that recognize the strong connection between healthy people, healthy communities, and a healthy environment. Through dynamic discussions and working group sessions, stakeholders reached consensus on key areas for collaboration, including strengthening integrated and climate-resilient primary health care, improving the prevention and management of communicable, noncommunicable diseases and mental health, and building sustainable and efficient health systems capable of meeting future challenges.

The process reflected a core principle that featured prominently throughout the consultation: health is a shared responsibility. The diversity of participants reinforced the understanding that health outcomes are shaped not only by healthcare services, but also by education, economic development, social protection, and environmental conditions.

Participants in the National Consultation for the development of Curaçao's first PAHO/WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2026-2031.

The Curaçao consultation builds on PAHO's broader work across the Caribbean, where Country Cooperation Strategies are helping governments and partners align around common priorities and accelerate progress toward universal health and sustainable development.

As discussions concluded, participants left with more than a strategic agenda. They left with a shared commitment to work together toward a healthier, more resilient, and more equitable future.

Like the umbrella featured throughout the consultation, the new Country Cooperation Strategy will serve as a symbol of partnership, bringing diverse voices together under one vision and guiding collective action for the health of all people in Curaçao.

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