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. 

The Organization provided end-to-end support for the implementation of all survey components – behavioral, physical, and biochemical – covering training, data management, quality assurance, and statistical analysis. This collaboration resulted in Sint Maarten’s first high‑quality, nationally representative dataset on NCD risk factors, addressing long-standing information gaps that limited evidence-informed decision-making.

PAHO supported the dissemination and formal handover of the report to the national authorities, reinforcing national ownership and multisectoral engagement. The findings now serve as a foundation for setting realistic NCD targets, designing population-level prevention programs, strengthening clinical protocols for early detection, guiding health promotion efforts for high-risk groups, and informing the allocation of resources for screening services, procurement planning, and community‑based interventions, while providing a baseline for monitoring progress toward regional and global NCD commitments.

By enabling the routine use of robust surveillance data, this achievement supports more effective policies to reduce premature mortality and aligns with Better Care for NCDs, contributing to improved long-term health outcomes and system efficiency.