St Kitts and Nevis makes history, records zero child fatalities among ages 1-5 in 2023

In a recent live radio show, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew announced that the latest statistics revealed that St Kitts and Nevis has not had any deaths of children between the ages of 1 and 5 in 2023. This is the first time in history that the island has recorded this significant milestone, which is attributed to the Children's Medical Fund.

This initiative, designed to aid disadvantaged families with children in need of medical treatment beyond the Federation, was instated by Dr Drew upon assuming office in 2022.

During the show, PM Drew outlined, "We look at our stats from last year, 2023, and I have been informed by Doctor Patrick Martin that the stats reveal that we have not had any deaths of children between 1 and 5 in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and he has said that this is the first time that that has been recorded." While talking about the fund, the Prime Minister noted this milestone has been made possible because of the Children's Medical Fund which the incumbent administration has put together. Under this fund, children who have to travel overseas necessarily for advanced medical treatment are provided with financial assistance.

"And a number of children have benefited, we think well over 30," noted PM Terrance Drew and added that some of the surgeries on these children were life-saving, such as heart surgeries.

He added that earlier the parents of such children had to be around the town with a sponsor sheet or GoFundMe to collect money for the medical treatment of their children.

PM Drew went on to say, "And many times, by the time you know, it takes time to raise that type of money, and some of the children would die waiting for the parents to raise the money to take them for this very sophisticated treatment. We have eliminated that."

While expressing pride over the establishment of this fund, he stated, "And that is why I'm proud to say that St Kitts and Nevis, with respect to the statistics as presented to me by Doctor Martin, did not record that of any children between or any child, rather between 1 and 5 here in the Federation."

The Prime Minister always reminds the citizens that the fund is open to all citizens in St Kitts and Nevis with the aim of helping as many children as possible. He also highlighted that he will continue to donate a portion of his salary towards charitable causes that will benefit those who are in significant need.