The Ministers of Health of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, together with the State Secretary of Health, Welfare and Sport of the Netherlands, met on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in Sint Maarten for the Four Countries Consultation on Public Health.
This high-level annual dialogue continues to serve as an essential pillar for coordinated health governance and joint development across the Dutch Kingdom.
Key Focus Areas of the 2025 Consultation
This year’s meeting — the first since 2023 — centered on shared public-health challenges and strategic opportunities for deeper regional collaboration. The agenda prioritized:
- Strengthening cross-border healthcare and pandemic preparedness
- Improving crisis and disaster response capabilities
- Joint initiatives in mental health, prevention, and healthy lifestyle promotion
- Enhancing continuity of care, workforce development, and capacity-building across the health sector
Results and Agreements
To advance pandemic preparedness and control of infectious diseases, all four countries agreed to continue developing the Dutch Caribbean Public Health Expertise Network (DuCaPHEN) — reinforcing shared commitments to expert exchange and stronger regional coordination.
The countries also reaffirmed their intention to work toward harmonized public-health legislation throughout the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, with special attention to involuntary mental-health care and cross-border referrals for mental-health patients.
Additionally, the four countries will implement measures to improve crisis preparedness, ensuring the Kingdom can respond effectively and cohesively to future public-health emergencies.
Collective Commitment
The consultation, hosted by the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor of Sint Maarten, concluded with a formal signing of agreements that highlight the countries’ collective commitment to strengthening public-health systems and cooperation within the Kingdom.
Statements from Leaders
Richenel Brug, Minister of Sint Maarten:
“Today’s agreements reflect our shared determination to build a public-health system that is resilient, responsive, and collaborative. Strengthening these alliances is essential for safeguarding the health and well-being of people across our islands.”
Roderick Middelhof, Minister of Curaçao:
“A strong healthcare system is built on preparedness, prevention, mental-health support, quality care, and a capable workforce. By committing to these principles together, we strengthen our collective resilience.”
Judith Tielen, State Secretary of the Netherlands:
“Patients needing complex mental-health care are among the most vulnerable. We are taking steps to improve mental-health services throughout the Kingdom. By aligning our laws and regulations, we ensure better support for all citizens, including those on islands where certain services are not yet available.”
Melvin Wyatt-Ras, Minister of Aruba:
“This is an important moment for Aruba. We are honored to assume the presidency of the Four Countries Consultation for the coming year. It is a responsibility we take on with pride. We look forward to hosting the next session and continuing the collaborative progress made today.
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