From left to right: VSA Minister Richinel Brug, State Secretary Judith Tielen, Minister Mervin Wyatt–Ras of Aruba and Minister Roderick Middelhof of Curaçao.
PHILIPSBURG--The Ministers of Public Health of Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten met on Thursday, November 20, on St. Maarten together with the State Secretary of the Netherlands’ Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport for the Four-Country Public Health Consultation. This annual meeting remains a cornerstone of coordinated health policy and joint policy development within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
This year’s session – the first held since 2023 – focused on the shared public health challenges facing the four countries and the strategic opportunities to deepen regional cooperation.
Discussions centred on key priorities such as strengthening cross-border healthcare and pandemic preparedness, enhancing crisis and disaster-response capacities, advancing joint initiatives in mental healthcare, prevention, and healthy lifestyle promotion, and improving continuity of care through stronger workforce development and expanded training capacity across the healthcare sector.
The four countries reached agreement on further developing the Dutch Caribbean Public Health Expertise Network (DuCaPHEN), reinforcing their commitment to knowledge-sharing and regional coordination in public health. They also renewed their shared ambition to harmonise public health legislation across the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, with particular attention to involuntary mental healthcare and cross-border referrals for patients requiring specialised mental health services.
The countries will additionally take steps to strengthen crisis preparedness – an essential component for ensuring that the Kingdom can respond effectively and cohesively to health emergencies.
The meeting, hosted by St. Maarten’s Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour VSA Richinel Brug concluded with the formal signing of the final agreements, underscoring the collective dedication to strengthening public health systems and cooperation within the Kingdom.
According to VSA Minister Brug, inter-country cooperation has been strengthened. “Today’s agreements reflect our shared determination to build a resilient, responsive, and collaborative public health system for the people of our islands.” he said. “Strengthening these partnerships is essential to safeguarding health and well-being in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.”
Health Minister Roderick Middelhof of Curacaos emphasised: “A strong healthcare system depends on preparedness, prevention, mental health, quality of care, and skilled professionals. By jointly committing to these principles, we strengthen our collective resilience.”
State Secretary Judith Tielen said: “Patients in need of complex mental healthcare are among the most vulnerable. We stand up for them by reinforcing mental healthcare for everyone in the Kingdom. Together, we aim to further align our laws on involuntary mental healthcare. I am truly grateful for each country’s willingness to provide care for patients from islands where this type of treatment is not yet available.”
The Four-Country Public Health Consultation on St. Maarten and the progress made have inspired Health Minister Mervin Wyatt–Ras of Aruba. “This is an important moment for Aruba,” he said. “We are honoured to assume the chairmanship of the Four-Country Consultation for the
coming year, a responsibility we accept with dedication and pride. We look forward to hosting the next meeting and building on the work we have collectively set in motion today. Aruba remains committed to promoting cooperation, innovation, and unity within the Kingdom – always grounded in the belief that a healthier Kingdom is indeed a stronger Kingdom.”
