The Ministry of Health and Social Development is the authority responsible for safeguarding and promoting the health and social wellbeing of the people of the Virgin Islands.
The Ministry is led by the Minister for Health and Social Development who has constitutional responsibility as assigned under section 56 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007. The Permanent Secretary has oversight responsibility for the management and coordination of the operations of the Ministry and its related departments. In an advisory capacity, the Chief Medical Officer provides technical guidance on local, regional and international public health matters.
The Ministry seeks to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates human development and improves the quality of life in the Virgin Islands by:
- developing proactive policies, legislation, strategies, and programmes for the health and social service sectors;
- promoting gender equity, social justice, and the progressive realization of human rights;
- performing essential public health functions, including health promotion, public health surveillance, research, and control of risks to public health;
- mitigating the impact of natural and man-made disasters on the health of the population; and
- delivering a wide range of social protection programmes and services, including social safety net programmes targeting the most vulnerable members of the population;
All these activities are performed through close collaboration with other sectors, ensuring community participation, and promoting self-reliance by increasing the assets and capabilities of individuals and social groups to improve their standard of living.
Vision
Ensuring a healthy Virgin Islands through the provision of quality and accessible health and social services.
Mission
To provide leadership that promotes health, social well-being and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development.
