AGP Executive Report

PAHO/WHO Health Strategy: Sint Maarten’s Health Minister Claret Connor signed a six-year Country Cooperation Strategy with PAHO/WHO, focusing on people-centered care, noncommunicable diseases and mental health, and stronger disease surveillance—plus digital transformation, health equity, and emergency preparedness. HOH Workforce Training: Horacio Oduber Hospital’s HOH Academy is expanding acute-care training, including a new Basic Acute Care (BAZ) program with University of Aruba and LUMC, supporting 37 staff since June 2026. Hearing Support in Aruba: FEPOH will host a Developmental Language Disorder conference (“An Invisible Barrier”) on Oct 5–6, while a recent hearing-care awareness and screening campaign in San Nicolas drew positive community response. Mental Health Care Scrutiny: New debate in Aruba follows directly awarded consultancy contracts for mental health and addiction care—raising questions about rates, scheduling, and why no public tender was used. Respiratory Virus Preparedness: Caribbean public health and lab professionals met in Trinidad to strengthen SARI/ARI surveillance and diagnostics for threats like influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. Aruba Health Events: A free public lecture on frontotemporal disorders is set for Sept 30 at San Nicolas National Library, and Fundacion ABO’s “Make Aruba Pink” breast screening campaign kicks off in October.

HOH Workforce Development: Horacio Oduber Hospital’s HOH Academy is expanding acute-care training, supporting 37 employees since June 2026, including new Basic Acute Care (BAZ) in partnership with University of Aruba and LUMC. Hearing Health Push: FEPOH is hosting a Developmental Language Disorder conference (“An Invisible Barrier”) Oct 5–6, while a recent San Nicolas hearing-care awareness and screening drive drew strong community interest and highlighted hearing protection during events like Carnival. Regional Health Leadership: Sint Maarten’s Public Health minister Claret Connor is attending PAHO’s 63rd Directing Council in Washington, focusing on emergency preparedness, primary care, digital health, and disease prevention. Aruba Mental Health Funding Debate: New consultancy contracts for mental health and addiction care were directly awarded without public tender, sparking questions about costs and why local expertise wasn’t used. Community Health & Education: Parlatino parliamentarians visited Pius X School’s “Healthy School” model, linking nutrition with “Movement and Health” and emotional self-regulation. Public Health Systems Pressure: New complaints again point to delays in senior care and urgent surgery access, with calls for accountability inside hospital management. Breast Cancer Awareness: Fundacion ABO’s “Make Aruba Pink” campaign kicks off in October, urging eligible residents to book mammograms.

Hospital & care accountability: A fresh wave of public complaints says senior citizens are being sent home with severe fractures without proper surgery or treatment, with critics pointing beyond the minister to hospital leadership and oversight bodies responsible for staffing, scheduling, and quality. Mental health funding controversy: Parliamentarians and critics question Aruba’s direct, no-tender consultancy deal for mental health and addiction care, arguing it sidelines Aruban expertise while waiting lists keep growing. Legislation & cost-of-living pressure: MP Sjamira Roseburg urges a shared team of legislative lawyers to unblock stalled revenue laws, warning that budget plans won’t help residents without legal capacity to deliver. Health awareness event: A free public lecture in San Nicolas for World FTD Awareness Week highlights frontotemporal disorders, with local health professionals and caregiver resources. Hearing health push: A hearing care awareness screening campaign in San Nicolas wrapped up with positive community response and calls for ongoing protection—especially during Carnival. Community wellness & movement: Aruba Activo invites families to “Caya Activo,” a traffic-closed cycling/walking route designed to boost physical and mental well-being. Breast cancer campaign: Fundacion ABO launches “Make Aruba Pink” for October, urging eligible residents to book mammograms and join island-wide pink visibility. Environment & enforcement: National Cleanup Day mobilized volunteers to tackle common roadside waste, while business groups again complain that weak enforcement of the informal market is harming legal operators. Marine protection planning: DNM, ACF, and Blue Marine Foundation update the government on the 30×30 marine protection process ahead of October stakeholder talks. Travel & access: Wingo expands direct flights from Colombia to Aruba, adding more routes and targeting higher passenger volumes.

PAHO Health Diplomacy: Sint Maarten’s Health Minister Claret Connor leads a delegation to the 63rd PAHO Directing Council in Washington, focusing on emergency preparedness, primary care, digital health, disease prevention, and stronger health system resilience—Aruba and Curaçao are also attending for regional cooperation. Hospital Care Accountability: Fresh public complaints renew pressure over delayed or inadequate treatment for seniors at Horacio Oduber Hospital, with critics arguing responsibility sits with hospital management and oversight boards, not just the minister. Mental Health Funding Debate: Aruba’s government signed a direct consultancy deal to a Dutch expert for mental health and addiction care digitalization and innovation—sparking questions about no public tender, pay rates, and respect for local professionals amid growing waiting lists. Hearing Health Awareness: A San Nicolas campaign wrapped up with positive community response, offering hearing screenings and testing, plus reminders to protect ears during loud events like Carnival. Community Cleanliness Push: Cuida Aruba’s third edition and monthly cleanup efforts continue to mobilize residents, with inspectors reporting illegal cars and items being removed after public outreach. Healthy Schools Spotlight: Parlatino delegates visited Pius X School to see Aruba’s “Healthy School” approach, including movement, nutrition education, and school agriculture. Respiratory Virus Preparedness: Caribbean lab and surveillance teams met in Trinidad and Tobago to strengthen detection and response for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 threats, with Aruba among participating territories.

Frontotemporal Awareness Lecture: Aruba Patients and the Alzheimer Aruba Foundation are hosting a free public talk on frontotemporal disorders at San Nicolas National Library on Wed, Sept 30 (7–9 PM), with local doctors sharing symptoms, impact, and support resources. HOH Care Accountability: A new public push highlights ongoing concerns about hospital management and delays in treatment, while HOH also says it will file summary proceedings over more than Afl. 29 million in unpaid care for undocumented patients. Hearing Health Push: A San Nicolas hearing awareness and screening campaign just wrapped, offering tests at four centers and urging hearing protection during loud events like Carnival. Community Cleanliness: National Cleanup Day (third edition) brought volunteers and Scouts together, and the “Cuida Aruba” cleanup drive continues with a focus on responsible waste disposal and better enforcement. Mental Health Funding Debate: Parliamentarians and advocates are questioning a directly awarded Dutch consultancy contract for mental health and addiction care, citing lack of transparency and growing waiting lists. Movement & Health in Schools: Parlatino delegates visited Pius X School to see the “Healthy School” model, including nutrition label learning and “Movement and Health” wellbeing education. Marine Protection Planning: DNM, ACF, and BMF updated the Ministry on the 30×30 marine protection process ahead of October stakeholder consultations.

Healthy Schools & Youth Well-Being: Parlatino delegates visited Pius X School in Aruba to see the “Healthy School” model in action, including practical health education, nutrition label reading, and school agriculture—plus the “Movement and Health” focus on emotional self-regulation and well-being. Hearing Care Access: A San Nicolas campaign wrapped up with positive community response, offering hearing awareness, screening, and testing through multiple centers, with reminders to protect hearing during loud events like Carnival. Marine Protection Planning: Directie Natuur & Milieu, the Aruba Conservation Foundation, and Blue Marine Foundation briefed the Ministry on progress toward the 30×30 marine protection target, ahead of October stakeholder consultations. HOH Care Accountability: New claims and counterclaims continue around Horacio Oduber Hospital, including a push for summary proceedings over unpaid care for undocumented patients and renewed debate over who is responsible for delays and management. Mental Health Funding Debate: Aruba’s government signed a directly awarded Dutch consultancy contract to strengthen mental health and addiction care, sparking questions about transparency, rates, and why local expertise wasn’t prioritized. Patient Voice: Aruba Patient Center launched to give patients a formal platform in a healthcare system where institutions and specialists already have representation. Community Clean-Up: “Cuida Aruba” returns with updated waste drop-off rules and more participation, aiming to shift dumping habits into a lasting mindset.

HOH Accountability & Care Access: Horacio Oduber Hospital says it’s preparing summary proceedings against Aruba over more than Afl. 29 million in unpaid care for undocumented patients, arguing treatment can’t be delayed when emergencies arise. Patient Voice in Focus: Aruba Patient Center (Centro Pashent di Aruba) officially launched on International Patient Safety Day to give patients a stronger say in a system where institutions already have representation. Flu Watch: Aruba’s Department of Public Health reports more fever cases with respiratory symptoms and flu-like illness, including influenza type B, urging seniors, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions to protect themselves and consider vaccination. Mental Health Funding Debate: Parliamentarians and critics question direct contracts for Dutch experts on mental health and addiction planning, raising concerns about transparency, rates, and respect for local professionals. Community Health & Hearing: A San Nicolas hearing care awareness campaign ended with positive community response, offering screenings and testing and stressing hearing protection during events like Carnival. Marine Protection Planning: DNM, ACF, and Blue Marine Foundation update the Ministry on Aruba’s 30×30 marine protection process ahead of October stakeholder consultations. Clean Aruba Push: Cuida Aruba’s next edition is set for Sept 25–26, with organizers adjusting waste separation and drop-off hours to keep public spaces clean.

Aruba Patient Center launch: On International Patient Safety Day, Aruba officially opened the Aruba Patient Center (Centro Pashent di Aruba), the first patient-led platform meant to give patients a stronger voice in a system where institutions have traditionally spoken for them. Hospital accountability & access: The HOH is preparing summary proceedings over more than Afl. 29 million in unpaid care for undocumented patients, while the public debate over senior care delays continues. Public health update (flu): Aruba’s Department of Public Health reports more fever cases with respiratory symptoms and flu-like illness, including influenza type B, urging seniors, young children, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions to take precautions and consider vaccination. Hearing care campaign: A San Nicolas hearing awareness, screening and testing drive wrapped up with positive community response, including access to multiple testing centers and advice on hearing protection during events like Carnival. Mental health funding controversy: Government consultancy contracts for mental health and addiction care are drawing criticism over direct awarding and rates, with calls for more support for Aruban professionals. Community wellness & movement: Aruba Activo invites families to a Caya Activo day with a traffic-closed cycling route and water stations. Marine protection planning: DNM, ACF and Blue Marine Foundation shared progress on Aruba’s 30×30 marine protection process ahead of October stakeholder consultations. Cuida Aruba cleanup: The island’s clean-up push continues with the next Cuida Aruba edition aimed at stopping illegal dumping on public land.

Community Clean-Up: Aruba’s “Cuida Aruba” push is already working, with Bureau City Inspector reports showing illegal cars and items on public land being removed after the appeal to use proper waste disposal. Breast Cancer Screening: Fundacion ABO’s “Make Aruba Pink” campaign kicks off for October, urging eligible residents to book mammograms and join the island-wide pink visibility drive. Respiratory Health Watch: DVG reports more fever cases with respiratory symptoms and flu-like illness, including influenza B, urging seniors, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions to protect themselves and consider flu vaccination. Patient Voice in Focus: Aruba Patient Center (Centro Pashent di Aruba) officially launches to give patients a stronger voice, with Public Health Minister Mervin Wyatt-Ras highlighting referral protocols and complaint channels. Hospital Accountability: HOH prepares summary proceedings over unpaid care for undocumented patients, while separate coverage raises concerns about hospital management and care delays. Wellness & Mobility: Emilio van der Linden returns to Aruba after months of rehabilitation in Houston with a new prosthetic leg, ready to walk and get back to work.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Fundacion ABO kicks off “Make Aruba Pink” for October, urging residents to wear pink and, most importantly, book mammograms if eligible. Patient Rights & Care Access: Aruba Patient Center (PDA) launches as the first patient-led organization, aiming to give patients a stronger voice and clearer complaint channels. HOH Accountability: Horacio Oduber Hospital says it will file summary proceedings over more than Afl. 29 million in unpaid care for undocumented patients, while the minister backs reforms as “check and balance.” Mental Health Funding Debate: A Dutch consultant contract for mental health and addiction care was awarded without public tender, sparking questions about rates, transparency, and local expertise. Respiratory Health Watch: DVG reports rising fever cases with respiratory symptoms and flu-like illness, urging higher-risk groups to take precautions and consider vaccination. Community Wellness: Aruba Activo invites families to “Caya Activo,” a traffic-closed cycling/walking route with water stations and music. Sports & Tourism: Masters World Championships Aruba 2026 (Oct 23–25) brings 24+ countries to Centro Libertador Betico Croes.

Rehabilitation & Mobility: Emilio van der Linden returned to Aruba after nearly three months in Houston, now walking again with a new prosthetic leg after intensive daily therapy. Community Sports & Well-Being: Aruba Activo invites families to “Caya Activo,” a traffic-closed 5 km cycling/walking route with water stations, music, and shorter challenge distances. Respiratory Health Preparedness: CARPHA and PAHO trained epidemiology and lab teams from 11 Caribbean countries, including Aruba, to strengthen SARI/ARI surveillance and diagnostics for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 threats. Patient Voice in Focus: Aruba Patient Center (PDA) launched on International Patient Safety Day to give patients a stronger, dignified voice; Public Health Minister Wyatt-Ras backed referral protocols and complaint channels. Hospital Pressure & Accountability: HOH prepares summary proceedings over unpaid care for undocumented patients, while public debate continues over hospital management and care delays for seniors. Mental Health Funding Debate: A directly awarded Dutch consultancy for mental health and addiction care sparked questions about rates, transparency, and local expertise. Alzheimer Awareness: Alzheimer Foundation Aruba kicks off Teal Ribbon Awareness Week starting Sept. 20. Public Health Alert: DVG reports rising fever cases with respiratory symptoms and flu-like illness, urging prevention and flu vaccination for higher-risk groups.

HOH Accountability & Patient Care: Aruba’s Minister of Public Health Mervin Wyatt-Ras says she is in Aruba and directly managing the Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) situation, after incorrect claims she was “spoorloos” and traveling to Washington. Healthcare Management Debate: HOH is preparing summary proceedings over more than Afl. 29 million in unpaid care for undocumented patients, while public criticism continues over who should be responsible for delays and mismanagement. Patient Voice: The Aruba Patient Center (Centro Pashent di Aruba) officially launched on International Patient Safety Day as the first patient organization in Aruba, aiming to give patients a stronger, dignified voice. Mental Health Funding Questions: A Dutch consultant was hired for Aruba’s mental health and addiction plan without public tender, sparking concerns about costs, transparency, and whether local expertise was overlooked. Flu Alert: DVG reports increased fever cases with respiratory symptoms and flu-like illness, urging especially seniors, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions to take precautions and consider vaccination. Community & Wellness: Alzheimer Foundation Aruba kicks off Teal Ribbon Awareness Week, and DAS runs a free “My Relationship with Money” workshop. Public Safety: Police report two stabbed youths in San Nicolas; both victims are stable and a 15-year-old suspect was arrested.

HOH Update: Minister Mervin Wyatt-Ras says reports that she was “spoorloos” and headed to Washington are wrong—she’s in Aruba handling the Horacio Oduber Hospital situation and pushing for sustainable solutions that protect patient care. Patient Voice: Aruba officially launched the Aruba Patient Center (Centro Pashent di Aruba) on International Patient Safety Day, aiming to give patients a stronger voice and clearer complaint channels as part of broader healthcare restructuring. Hospital Accountability & Undocumented Care: HOH is preparing summary proceedings over more than Afl. 29 million in unpaid care for undocumented patients, while public debate continues over hospital management and who should be responsible for the costs. Mental Health Funding Scrutiny: Parliamentarians and critics question direct-awarded Dutch consultancy contracts for a mental health and addiction plan, citing lack of transparency and concerns about sidelining Aruban expertise. Flu Alert: Aruba’s Department of Public Health reports rising fever with respiratory symptoms and flu-like illness, urging higher-risk groups to protect themselves and consider influenza vaccination. Community Health & Support: Alzheimer Foundation Aruba kicks off Teal Ribbon Awareness Week, and the Social Affairs Department runs free “My Relationship with Money” workshops. Sports & Wellness: Masters World Championships Aruba 2026 (Oct 23–25) will bring athletes from 24+ countries, with a focus on an active lifestyle.

Hospital Accountability & Patient Safety: Social media complaints and legal action are again spotlighting delays in senior care at Horacio Oduber Hospital, with critics saying responsibility sits with hospital management and boards—not just the Public Health Minister. Patient Voice in Focus: Aruba officially launched the Aruba Patient Center (Centro Pashent di Aruba) on International Patient Safety Day, aiming to give patients a formal platform and clearer complaint channels. Mental Health Funding Debate: Parliamentarians are questioning a directly awarded Dutch consultancy for a mental health and addiction plan, citing lack of transparency, high hourly rates, and growing waiting lists. Flu Watch: Aruba’s Department of Public Health reports rising fever cases with respiratory symptoms and flu-like illness, urging high-risk groups to get vaccinated and stay home when sick. Undocumented Care Costs: HOH is preparing summary proceedings over more than Afl. 29 million in unpaid care for undocumented patients, saying treatment can’t be postponed. Community Health & Support: Alzheimer Foundation Aruba kicks off Teal Ribbon Awareness Week, while Social Affairs runs a free “My Relationship with Money” workshop.

Aruba Patient Center launch: Aruba officially opened the Centro Pashent di Aruba on International Patient Safety Day, positioning it as the first patient-led organization in the island to give people a stronger voice and dignified representation in healthcare. Public Health leadership: Minister of Public Health Mervin Wyatt-Ras backed the center as a “check and balance,” pointing to referral protocols, stronger senior citizen protection, and clearer complaint channels. Hospital funding pressure: Horacio Oduber Hospital is preparing summary proceedings over more than Afl. 29 million in unpaid care for undocumented patients, saying treatment can’t be delayed even when responsibility is unclear. Mental health & addiction plan: The government signed a consultancy deal to strengthen mental health and addiction care through innovation and digitalization, drawing debate over the direct award and hourly rate. Flu watch: DVG reports rising fever cases with respiratory symptoms and flu-like illness, including influenza B, urging high-risk groups to get vaccinated and everyone to stay home when sick. Community wellness & support: Social Affairs ran a free “My Relationship with Money” workshop, while Alzheimer Foundation Aruba kicked off Teal Ribbon Awareness Week. Tourism connectivity: Wingo expanded Aruba-Colombia direct flights to five capitals and projects about 150,000 travelers in 2026. Health at sea: Aruba Coast Guard carried out a medical evacuation at sea for a crew member needing urgent treatment.

Aruba Patient Center launch: Aruba officially opened the Aruba Patient Center (PDA) on International Patient Safety Day, positioning it as the first local organization created by patients to represent patients—aiming to give people a stronger voice in a system where institutions and government already have structured representation. Public health funding pressure: Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) says it is preparing summary proceedings over more than Afl. 29 million in unpaid care for undocumented patients, arguing it can’t turn away emergencies while responsibility for payment remains unclear. Flu watch: Aruba’s Department of Public Health (DVG) reports rising fever cases with respiratory symptoms and flu-like illness, including influenza type B, urging higher-risk groups to get vaccinated and take precautions. Mental health and addiction plan: Government signed a consultancy deal to strengthen mental health and addiction care via innovation and digitalization, sparking debate over a Dutch consultant’s hourly rate and the lack of a public tender. Community health & safety: Police arrested a 15-year-old after two minors were stabbed near a bus stop in San Nicolas; both victims are reported stable. Local governance & wellbeing: “Cuida Aruba” returns Sept. 25–26 with updated waste-separation categories and new drop-off hours to keep the cleanup going beyond one weekend. Tourism access: Wingo expanded Aruba-Colombia direct service to five Colombian capitals in 2026, projecting about 150,000 travelers by year-end.