Newly re-elected President of the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA), Dr. Merle Clarke, represented the Caribbean with distinction at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland on May 22, 2025, where she joined a high-level panel to address the global burden of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases.
A leading Nephrologist, Dr. Clarke was invited by the Global Alliance for Patient Access and the Global Patient Alliance for Kidney Health, where she also serves on the Medical Advisory Committee. Her contribution shed light on the growing challenge of cardiovascular-metabolic-kidney (CKM) disease in the Caribbean and the limitations healthcare systems in small island states face when managing these complex, interconnected conditions.
Speaking to a diverse audience of international healthcare professionals and policymakers, Dr. Clarke stressed the urgent need for multi-specialty collaboration and stronger inter-agency efforts to boost early detection, prevention, and treatment outcomes for patients at risk of chronic kidney and heart-related conditions.
While in Geneva, Dr. Clarke was also featured on the globally streamed podcast “Pioneering Patient”, hosted by health communications expert Michael George. The episode, which focused on patient-centered care and kidney health innovation, is expected to reach a wide audience across multiple media platforms.
Dr. Clarke was joined in Geneva by SLMDA Vice President, Dr. Dianne Ferdinand-Walcott, who participated in various World Medical Association events and forums centered on chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Their presence underscored Saint Lucia’s growing leadership in global health advocacy, particularly on issues critical to the Caribbean’s public health agenda.
This international engagement aligns with the SLMDA’s commitment to raising awareness, influencing policy, and improving clinical practices around non-communicable diseases affecting Saint Lucians and the wider Caribbean population.
