Carissa Etienne

Carissa Etienne at PAHO HQ (cropped)

Carissa Etienne is a prominent figure in the field of public health, known for her significant contributions to improving health systems and services in the Americas. As the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), she has played a crucial role in advancing public health initiatives and strengthening health care systems across the region. Her leadership and dedication to health equity have been instrumental in addressing complex health challenges and promoting sustainable health development in the Americas.

Early Life and Education

Carissa Etienne hails from Dominica, where she was born and raised. She pursued her education in the field of medicine, recognizing early on her passion for public health and the well-being of communities. Etienne earned her medical degree from the University of the West Indies, followed by a master's degree in Community Health and an MSc in Community Health for Developing Countries from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, showcasing her commitment to advancing her expertise in public health.

Career

Etienne's career in public health has been marked by her dedication to improving health care delivery and policy. Before her tenure at PAHO, she served in various capacities within the health sector of Dominica, including as Chief Medical Officer. Her work in Dominica laid the foundation for her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in health care in developing countries.

In 2008, Etienne was appointed as Assistant Director-General for Health Systems and Services at the World Health Organization (WHO), where she was responsible for strengthening health systems worldwide. Her efforts were focused on promoting universal health coverage and ensuring that all people have access to the health services they need without financial hardship.

In 2012, Carissa Etienne was elected as the Director of PAHO, the world's oldest international public health agency with over a century of experience in improving health and living standards in the Americas. Under her leadership, PAHO has focused on strategic areas such as combating communicable and non-communicable diseases, advancing health equity, and responding to public health emergencies and disasters. Etienne has been re-elected for subsequent terms, reflecting her effective leadership and the confidence of member states in her ability to guide the organization in addressing the region's health challenges.

Achievements and Contributions

Throughout her career, Carissa Etienne has been a strong advocate for health equity and universal health access. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that health policies and programs are inclusive and address the needs of the most vulnerable populations. Her efforts have contributed to significant advancements in public health in the Americas, including the strengthening of health systems, the promotion of mental health, and the fight against diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Etienne's leadership during public health emergencies, including her response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been notable. She has emphasized the importance of solidarity and cooperation among countries to effectively combat the virus and mitigate its impact on health, economies, and societies.

Legacy and Future Directions

Carissa Etienne's work has left an indelible mark on public health in the Americas. Her vision for a healthier region, where all individuals have access to the care they need, continues to guide PAHO's initiatives. As she looks to the future, Etienne remains committed to addressing emerging health challenges, promoting innovation in health care, and fostering partnerships that will advance public health goals for the benefit of all people in the Americas.