During the 2024–2025 biennium, Sint Maarten took important steps toward healthy aging by conducting its first comprehensive baseline assessment, strengthening the country’s long-term capacity to respond to demographic change. 

Sint Maarten advanced its capacity for data-driven prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) with the completion of the national NCD survey report in 2025, supported through sustained technical cooperation from PAHO. 

In Sint Maarten, the Department of Health monitored the growing burden of cardiovascular disease risk factors and took decisive action to protect residents’ health. It developed a national protocol to tackle type 2 diabetes, adapted from the regional HEARTS-D initiative – a model of care for cardiovascular risk management. The journey began with national hypertension protocols inspired by the HEARTS in the Americas initiative. General practitioners, pharmacists, diabetes educators, physiotherapists, and national health insurance representatives collaborated to establish a synergistic approach underpinned by the principles of Better Care for NCDs. 

PAHO strengthened health leadership and governance in Sint Maarten through the development of the PAHO 2026–2031 Country Cooperation Strategy, providing a clear strategic framework to accelerate progress toward a people-centered health system and health for all. PAHO convened senior officials from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, other government sectors, and civil society, facilitating participatory dialogue to define priorities and deliverables.