Dr. Carissa F Etienne, the former director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), passed away on Friday, succumbing to an apparent heart failure.
The 71-year-old Dominican native, who recently retired after an illustrious decade at the helm of PAHO, was bestowed the honorary title of Director-Emeritus on September 30, 2022, during the 30th Pan American Sanitary Conference.
A lasting impact on public health
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Etienne made significant contributions to the field of public health in the Americas.
Her vision and leadership played a pivotal role in shaping health policies and initiatives across the region, leaving an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape.
A resolute response to health crises
During Dr. Etienne’s tenure as the director of PAHO, the organization spearheaded critical responses to some of the most pressing health challenges in the Americas.
Under her leadership, PAHO took the helm in combatting the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic which swept across the region.
The organization also played a pivotal role in containing outbreaks of Zika and chikungunya, as well as managing cholera and yellow fever crises in Haiti and Brazil.
Advancing health milestones
Furthermore, Dr. Etienne’s stewardship ushered in a new era of achievement in the Americas.
The region eliminated the endemic transmission of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome. Significant progress was made in preventing and controlling chronic non-communicable diseases.
Moreover, legislative and regulatory measures gained momentum as countries implemented laws concerning food product labeling and introduced taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, marking crucial steps in public health policy.
A distinguished career path
Before assuming the role of PAHO Director, Dr. Etienne served as Assistant Director-General for Health Systems and Services at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 2008 to November 2012.
Her impactful journey also included a tenure as Assistant Director of the Pan American Sanitary Bureau from July 2003 to February 2008, where she led five pivotal technical areas: Health Systems and Services; Technology, Health Care, and Research; Health Surveillance and Disease Management; Family and Community Health; and Sustainable Development and Environmental Health.
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