During the biennium, PAHO played a key role in strengthening Dominica’s capacity to improve access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines and health technologies. Through subregional cooperation mechanisms and targeted country support, PAHO provided technical recommendations to the national regulatory authority to strengthen pharmaceutical supply chain management and regulatory practices. This included guidance to improve the national medical oxygen system at the Dominica–China Friendship Hospital, addressing a critical component of essential clinical care and emergency readiness. These actions were embedded within broader efforts to strengthen collaboration between countries and regional partners and to promote the effective use of PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, enhancing coordination, transparency, and resilience in procurement and supply systems.  

By improving regulatory and supply chain functions, PAHO’s contribution helped to reduce the risk of stockouts and inefficiencies, which is particularly important for a small island vulnerable to external shocks. The results support improved continuity of care, directly contributing to better health outcomes and strengthening the foundations of universal access to essential health technologies. 

Photo caption: PAHO consultant inspects oxygen cylinders with the clinical engineering team, as part of mission to assess medical gases

Credit: PAHO ECC