St. Joseph Health District
The St. Joseph Health District of Dominica is one of the seven administrative health districts under the island’s Primary Health Care (PHC) model. Situated on the west coast, the district is an anchor for both coastal and interior communities, providing comprehensive health services ranging from preventive care to referrals for specialized treatment at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital in Roseau.
Communities Served
The district covers the large village of St. Joseph along with nearby communities such as Salisbury, Coulibistrie, Mero, Tarreau, Colihaut, and Layou. These settlements span both fishing villages and inland agricultural areas. The geographic spread makes the district an important link in ensuring that west coast residents, many of whom are involved in farming, fishing, or tourism, have access to healthcare.
Health Facilities and Services
The St. Joseph Health District operates through a network of Type I health centres and Type II health centres, supported by district coordination units. Services provided include:
- Maternal and child health care, including prenatal and postnatal clinics.
- Immunization programs targeting children and vulnerable populations.
- Management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension, which remain a leading cause of morbidity.
- Health promotion and education, including outreach to schools and community groups.
- Emergency stabilization, with referrals directed to Roseau for advanced care.
Development and Challenges
The district has made strides in extending primary healthcare, but faces challenges such as:
- The need for upgraded facilities after damages caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017.
- Human resource gaps, particularly in nursing and specialized care.
- Accessibility issues in some interior communities, especially after landslides or storms.
Despite these challenges, investments in community health worker programs and the strengthening of NCD management have improved the resilience of services.
The St. Joseph Health District demonstrates the value of Dominica’s district health system, which decentralizes care to ensure rural and coastal populations are not disadvantaged. By maintaining strong links to Roseau and supporting local communities, it remains a vital pillar of Dominica’s healthcare framework.