Regional Director undertakes first-ever high-level visit to Greenland

The city of Nuuk is the capital of Greenland, home to approximately 17 000 citizens.

Lying at the far-western edge of the WHO European Region, Greenland has specific logistical and health challenges.

A sustained vaccination initiative against Hepatitis B, the widespread use of telemedicine, a broader role for nurses, and a successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic are just some of many health success stories that the rest of the Region can learn from.

Meeting with representatives from Greenland

...including Nike Berthelsen, Head of the Department of Health (see photo, second from left), and Jess Svane, Minister for Social Affairs, Home Affairs and the Labour Market (second from right), the Regional Director (far left) had a chance to discuss the importance of ensuring equal access to health care, particularly for small and remote communities; responding to the increasing expectations of citizens; and recruiting and retaining health care workers.

Greenland faces several health challenges, including providing care to remote settlements, high levels of tobacco use, mental health concerns, and a widespread lack of health care professionals.

On the second day of the visit, the Regional Director visited the University of Greenland.

Speaking with the Rector of the university, Gitte Adler Reimer, Dr Kluge heard about the range of courses available to students, including nursing, health science and social work. 

The university also undertakes valuable research work. One promising project is looking into improving eye care throughout Greenland through telemedicine, and training optometrists where direct contact with patients is needed.

Students enjoy views of Mount Sermitsiaq from the campus.

During a visit to Queen Ingrid’s Hospital, known as Sana, the WHO delegation spoke directly with health workers

...and heard how the hospital books 12 000 trips per year on boats, helicopters and planes, transporting health workers, patients and medicines throughout Greenland, and sometimes for people to receive treatment abroad.

Given the large number of remote settlements in Greenland, the visit included a journey to the town of Atammik.

The settlement of fewer than 200 inhabitants is a 2.5-hour boat ride from Nuuk, demonstrating the logistical challenges faced by health workers and authorities across Greenland.

Naasunnguaq is a health care worker in Atammik.

A vital lifeline for the town’s residents, she provides primary health care services, including for general ailments; triages serious medical cases; and offers mental health support. She also coordinates with doctors in Greenland and has a doctor visit her clinic once every 3 months to meet with residents.

Further north from Nuuk lies Ilulissat.

The town is home to some 5000 residents.

The hospital in Ilulissat has a pharmacy, laboratory, 2 operating rooms, a patient hotel and delivery rooms.

12 000 people fall within the hospital’s catchment area, which is approximately the size of Spain.

The hospital, where approximately 110 women give birth each year, is one of 5 maternity health centres in Greenland.

Due to the challenging terrain and conditions in Greenland, expectant mothers travel and live close to one of the maternity health centres 3 weeks before their due date.