Basseterre, Saint Kitts, April 03, 2025 (PMO) — In a significant move to improve the health and well-being of mothers and newborns across the Federation, Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, announced two transformative national health initiatives in recognition of World Health Day 2025.
The initiatives—the reintroduction of perinatal reviews and the launch of a groundbreaking Maternity Care Navigator (MCN) programme—reflect the government’s deep commitment to the theme of this year’s observance: ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.’
Speaking with conviction and compassion during his national address to commemorate World Health Day 2025, Prime Minister Drew emphasized the essential role that maternal and child health plays in building a stronger, more resilient nation. “When we invest in maternal and newborn health, we are not merely delivering medical services—we are delivering hope. We are planting the seeds of a healthier, more resilient nation,” he said.
At the heart of these efforts is the reintroduction of perinatal reviews at the Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital. “The Ministry of Health has reintroduced perinatal reviews at the JNF General Hospital. These monthly audits allow us to reflect, learn, and grow—identifying gaps and improving clinical care for mothers and newborns,” the Prime Minister stated. These structured reviews, which had been inactive in recent years, are now reinstated as a permanent quality control measure. They involve healthcare professionals systematically examining maternal and neonatal outcomes to identify clinical or systemic factors that may have contributed to complications, with the aim of implementing timely and effective improvements.
The second initiative—the introduction of Maternity Care Navigators (MCNs)—marks a historic first for the Federation. “For the very first time in our history, we are introducing Maternity Care Navigators—qualified midwives whose sole purpose is to walk hand-in-hand with expectant mothers, especially those at high risk. These navigators are more than guides; they are lifelines,” Dr. Drew explained.
Under this new programme, MCNs will provide individualized, continuous support to pregnant women, particularly those identified as having high-risk pregnancies due to medical, social, or economic factors. These trained professionals will act as advocates, educators, and coordinators—ensuring that women receive timely antenatal care, understand their health needs, and have access to emotional and logistical support throughout the pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period.
The Prime Minister stressed that both measures are part of a larger strategic investment in national healthcare transformation, aimed at ensuring that “every woman and every child, no matter their circumstance, has access to quality care at every stage of the journey.”
This renewed focus on maternal and newborn health reflects the government’s alignment with global best practices and its commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also represents a critical pillar of the Federation’s broader vision under the Sustainable Island State Agenda, which places human development at the center of national progress.
The Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Prime Minister Drew, is expected to roll out both initiatives fully in the coming months, with structured training, monitoring, and public awareness campaigns to ensure accessibility and community engagement across all constituencies.
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