WHO country presence in small island developing states (SIDS)
Overview
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a recognized group of 38 UN Member States and 20 non-Members/ Associate Members of Regional Commissions, located in three geographic regions: the Caribbean; the Pacific; and the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and South China Sea (AIMS).
SIDS face unique social, economic and environmental challenges. Due to their remote geography, many SIDS face high import and export trade costs as well as irregular international traffic volumes, while relying on external markets for many goods. Most of their natural resources come from the ocean. SIDS are particularly vulnerable to climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss owing to their vulnerability to exogenous shocks and fragile land and marine ecosystems. Their remoteness and small population sizes mean high transportation costs and limited opportunity to develop economies of scale in international markets.
These challenges—compounded by limited institutional capacity and scarce financial resources— have a considerable impact on systems, services and the health status of SIDS populations, making the role of WHO in SIDS especially important.
This document provides a quick overview of health sector information and WHO’s presence in SIDS for 2019–20. The information in this document is presented in the specific context of the Thirteenth General Programme of Work of the WHO (GPW13), with a special section on COVID-19.
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