Keynote Address: Rhonda Sealey-Thomas

2025 Symposium

Key Takeaways

Structural inequities in wealth distribution, systemic discrimination, and under-investment in primary health care systems are the underlying causes for persistent health inequities. The fragmentation of global health governance, and the commercialization of health delivery have only exacerbated these challenges.
Maternal mortality, cervical cancer, childhood cancer, and neglected tropical diseases, or NTDs, are the four key areas where health inequities exist in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Dr. Sealey-Thomas emphasized that the future of global health is not yet written in stone. It is shaped by the choices we make today. Even in the face of substantial challenges, we must uphold the values of equity and health as a human right.
Global health equity can be realized if we act with intentionality in three critical areas: strengthening primary health care systems, promoting equitable innovation and technology, and addressing the social determinants of health – improving education, income inequality, housing, employment opportunities, and access to social protection.

“Despite remarkable advancements in health policy, medical breakthroughs, and technological innovations over the past decades, including the development of new vaccines, medicines, and AI applications in healthcare, vast health disparities persist. ”

– Rhonda Sealey-Thomas

Speaker Details

Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, DrPH, MPH

Assistant Director, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, a national of Antigua and Barbuda, received her Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery degree from the University of West Indies. She holds a Master of Public Health degree and a Doctorate in Public Health from the University of West Indies. She has held several positions in the health sector in Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda including serving as Medical Officer of Health in the Ministry of Health. Prior to her appointment as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Assistant Director, Dr. Sealey-Thomas was Chief Medical Officer for the Ministry of Health in Antigua and Barbuda and was the Chief Technical Advisor to the Minister of Health on all public health matters of regional and international concern.