WILLEMSTAD, June 30, 2026 – Specialists and researchers from Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) showcased research addressing some of the island’s most pressing healthcare challenges during the 5th Dutch Caribbean Research Week, held at the University of Curaçao (UoC) and supported by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
The annual event brought together healthcare professionals and researchers from across the Dutch Caribbean to exchange knowledge and collaborate on solutions to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes throughout the region. CMC presentations highlighted research focused on emergency neurological care, sickle cell disease, and maternal health; three areas with significant implications for the wellbeing of people living in Curaçao and the neighboring islands.
Dr. Ellianne dos Santos Rubio, Neurosurgeon at CMC and current PhD candidate at Leiden University Medical Center, presented research on improving emergency medical transfers between the Dutch Caribbean islands. Her work examines task-sharing and targeted training opportunities to reduce delays in emergency neurological care and increase access to life-saving treatment for patients with serious brain and nerve conditions.
Dr. Meindert Manshade, General Pediatrician at CMC, shared findings showing that sickle cell disease affects approximately one in every 300 newborns in Curaçao, while more than five percent of the population carries the sickle cell trait. His research highlights the importance of strengthening newborn screening programs, allowing children to be diagnosed earlier and receive timely treatment to prevent complications.
Dr. Nurah Hammoud, Gynecologist at CMC, and Sitaya Zomer, PhD researcher at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), highlighted the importance of strengthening maternal healthcare by adopting the World Health Organization’s Maternal Near-Miss framework. Their research demonstrates that monitoring severe pregnancy complications alongside maternal mortality can help healthcare professionals identify risks earlier, improve the quality of care, and ultimately contribute to safer pregnancies and healthier outcomes for mothers and babies.
Research is an important tool for understanding the specific health challenges facing our community and identifying opportunities to improve care. By investing in research and regional collaboration, we can strengthen healthcare services and achieve better long-term outcomes for patients in Curaçao.
CMC emphasized that these studies directly address local healthcare needs by supporting earlier diagnosis, enhancing emergency services, and improving the quality of care for patients across the island. Through ongoing collaboration with regional and international partners, supported by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), CMC remains committed to advancing healthcare.
