Dr. Jean-Patrick Alfred has been honored with the PAHO Award for Management and Leadership in Health Services 2024, recognizing his significant contributions to Haiti’s healthcare system. The award was presented by María Teresa Barán, the President of PAHO’s 61st Directing Council and Minister of Health of Paraguay. Dr. Alfred’s leadership in the Unified Health Information System (SISNU) and his role in strengthening Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) were highlighted during the ceremony.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Alfred reflected on Haiti’s resilience amidst ongoing challenges, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to build a more resilient, people-centered healthcare system. “This prize not only reminds me of the immense obstacles we continue to face but also of the progress and victories we have fought so hard to achieve,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to the health and well-being of the Haitian people.
The award highlights Alfred’s leadership in developing critical policy initiatives throughout his professional career, particularly Haiti’s 2012-2022 health plan, which focused on a primary care approach to strengthen the country’s health system, making it more resilient and people-centered.
Alfred is a leading physician, holding a degree in medicine and postgraduate degrees in health systems and services and health policy. In addition, since 2015 he has been the Director of the Studies and Programming Unit (UEP) of the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP).
His career has been mostly in health administration and teaching, and he has contributed to several research studies.
Through this award, established in 1969, the governments of the Americas recognize outstanding contributions to improving health systems and services, and to programs, projects, and initiatives with proven impact on access to health care at the national or regional levels.
Previous recipients include Dr Alfredo Espinosa Brito, from Cuba; Dr Carla Romero, from Bolivia; Dr Joanne Liu, from Canada; Dr Reina Roa Rodríguez, from Panama; and Dr Natalia Largaespada, from Belize.
