Vaccination and Infrastructure at the Heart of Discussions

Regional President Huguette Bello met with Minister of Health Yannick Neuder in Paris to discuss urgent health challenges and development projects for Reunion Island.

Among the topics discussed, the situation at the University Hospital and the GHER following the devastating impact of Cyclone Garance was a priority. Huguette Bello praised the remarkable work of the medical teams, who responded to the crises caused by Cyclones Chido and Garance. The resilience of the staff ensured continuity of care in extreme conditions.

Another focus of this meeting was the re-emergence of chikungunya, which was already ravaging the island two decades ago. With the number of cases increasing, vaccination measures are planned to protect the most vulnerable populations. The President emphasized the importance of intensifying Chikungunya Eradication Programs (CEPs) to effectively combat the virus vector.

Structural issues were also on the agenda. The construction of the new Women-Parent-Child building at the North University Hospital was deemed essential following flooding in the neonatal ward. Huguette Bello also advocated for the creation of a speech therapy program to meet the growing need for medical training. Minister Yannick Neuder noted these challenges and announced an imminent trip to Mayotte and Réunion to better understand local issues.