Former PAHO Director Dr. Carissa Etienne to receive official funeral from Dominican Government

The Dominican Government has announced that Dr. Carissa Etienne, the former director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), who passed away in the United States on December 1, will be accorded an official funeral.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit made this announcement during a press conference held yesterday. 

The decision to grant Dr. Etienne an official funeral underscores the profound impact of her work on both Dominica and the global healthcare landscape.

Honoring a remarkable legacy

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.

Dr. Etienne’s life and career were marked by a relentless commitment to improving healthcare systems, particularly in the Caribbean region. 

Her tenure as the head of PAHO saw numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and disease prevention.

Details to be shared soon

While the Prime Minister has confirmed the intention to hold an official funeral, specific details of the ceremony, including the date and location, will be revealed to the public at a later time.