Perry Gomez
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Michael Perry Gomez | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Gomez in 2013 | |
| Minister of Health | |
| In office 12 May 2012 – 11 May 2017 | |
| Prime Minister | Perry Christie |
| Preceded by | Hubert Minnis |
| Succeeded by | Duane Sands |
| Member of the House of Assembly of the Bahamas for North Andros and Berry Islands | |
| In office 12 May 2012 – 11 May 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Vincent Peet |
| Succeeded by | Carlton Bowleg Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 January 1947 New Providence, Bahamas |
| Died | 21 October 2023 (aged 76) |
| Party | Progressive Liberal Party |
Michael Perry Gomez (18 January 1947 – 21 October 2023) was a Bahamian politician, who served as Minister of Health and as member for North Andros and Berry Islands in the House of Assembly of the Bahamas.[1] First elected to the legislature in the 2012 election after defeating Education Minister Desmond Bannister by a margin of 24 votes,[1] he was appointed by Prime Minister Perry Christie to be Minister of Health.
Gomez was born on New Providence and graduated from the University of the West Indies with a degree in medicine in 1971. He then attended medical school at Wayne State University where he specialized in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases.[2]
Career
Gomez was known globally for his work on HIV/AIDS research, being the founder and director of the National HIV Programme of the Bahamas. Under his direction, the Programme had a major impact on decreasing the spread of the disease. HIV transmission rates in the Bahamas declined by more than 30 percent and HIV transmission from mother-to-child also decreased dramatically. Seventy-two percent of all persons with advanced HIV receive requisite treatment and all persons with HIV and TB co-infection receive full treatment for both conditions.[1]
