“Suriname’s New WHO/PAHO Representative Dr. Lilian Reneau-Vernon Discusses Country’s Health Challenges and Emphasizes the Need for Traditional Medicine”

On Tuesday, April 23, Minister Albert Ramdin of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation (BIBIS) presented the credentials of the new WHO/PAHO representative for Suriname, Dr. Lilian Reneau-Vernon, received, BIBIS reports only Thursday 4 May.

During a short meeting with the minister, Reneau-Vernon indicated that there is good contact with Minister Amar Ramadhin of Health. She also indicated that she was aware of the challenges facing the Ministry of Health, such as a shortage of financial resources and the lack of specialist nursing staff. Dr. Reneau-Vernon stressed that the region also faces the same issues.

The country cooperation program on health has now been signed, with an emphasis on strengthening health systems, quality of care, chronic diseases and a healthy lifestyle. In Suriname, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and lung disorders are very common, which are, among other things, the result of a healthy lifestyle.

Minister Ramdin is also familiar with the phenomenon and stressed that health and wellbeing awareness should be taught from childhood. “A healthy lifestyle should be taught as a subject and that includes school gardens. It is important to start with the new generation,” added the minister. He also called attention to mental health, especially among young people.

Traditional medicines

The minister also indicated that there is also a lot of attention for traditional medicines from our own soil and that it is therefore recommended that the WHO also gives traditional medicines a place in pharmacy. China and India are so far in this form of medicine, where there is thought to set up an Ayurvedic center.

Finally, the minister Ramdin indicated that he advocates a plan for traditional medicines and that funding for this should also be looked at. He added that often enough knowledge is available, but people lack the capital to start a business.

Already on February 28, Dr. Reneau-Vernon had paid an introductory visit to the Ministry of Health.

During that visit, Minister Ramadhin gave a brief introduction to the cooperation between PAHO and the ministry in recent years. Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell had performed the role of PAHO representative with dignity. She has been the representative in Belize since February 2023.