A fragmented system, lack of investment, and a tripling of high-risk cases are threatening the future of 30,000 children in Aruba.
ORANJESTAD – Aruba’s Youth Health Care (JGZ) is facing a profound crisis that could have grave consequences for an entire generation. Member of Parliament Hendrik Tevreden is sounding the alarm, stating that the current system is no longer equipped to handle growing demand, while figures show a rapid deterioration in the physical and mental health of the island’s youth.
Staff Shortages: 4 FTEs for 30,000 Children Currently, JGZ has only 4 FTEs (full-time employees) to provide care and guidance for nearly 30,000 children and adolescents. Tevreden labels this situation unsustainable. Experts acknowledge that expanding capacity is urgent. The ideal target for dignified care should include:
- 8 Doctors and 8 Nurses
- 2 Educational Psychologists (Ortopedagogen)
- 1 Dietitian
However, funding for adolescent care has yet to be budgeted, leaving a significant gap in the chain of care.
Cases Have Tripled: Improved Registration or Declining Health? Tevreden expressed deep concern over alarming health statistics within the school population. During the 2024-2025 period, the number of “indications” (referrals/alerts) among children aged 4 to 12 rose dramatically from 589 to 1,879 students. Tevreden emphasizes that this represents nearly a tripling of registered cases. While the sector suggests this is due to better detection systems, the key question remains: has the system become more efficient at recording, or is the health of our children worsening? One of the most alarming signs highlighted is that 45% of these indications are related to overweight and obesity.
Urgent Demands for Action Tevreden is demanding that dormant plans be implemented immediately to curb the health crisis:
- Regulate the marketing of unhealthy food directed at children.
- Introduce mandatory water consumption in schools.
- Remove junk food from school canteens.
Fragmentation: Lack of Ministerial Direction A major weakness identified by Tevreden is the total lack of coordination. While JGZ collects vast amounts of data, collaboration between agencies remains fragmented. Information stays stuck in silos, and coordination with schools, social workers, and primary care is limited. There is no central coordinator to oversee the entire chain.
Rising Psychosocial Problems Anxiety, depression, and school absenteeism are on the rise. Tevreden notes that while there is collaboration with Respaldo (mental health services), the monitoring of effectiveness and waiting times is not structurally organized. He emphasized that the issue is not a lack of funds, but a lack of management.
“The time for planning and sitting still has passed; it is now the moment for Minister Wyatt-Ras to show leadership and guide these departments with vision and intent,” Tevreden concluded.