The spotlight is on regional health security as Guyana plays host to a high-level workshop aimed at strengthening the Caribbean’s response to emerging public health threats.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has brought together key regional and international partners for the Regional Health Security (RHS) and Regional Coordination Mechanism for Health Security Workshop at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.
Against a backdrop of rising infectious disease trends and new global health challenges, the workshop seeks to update Caribbean member states on tailored strategies to improve public health resilience and coordination as they transition from the RHS pathway to a plan of action.
Speaking at the event today, CARPHA’s Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Indar, re-emphasised its commitment to the cause.
“Our individual and collective actions today will determine how well we are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow, and for when the next pandemic comes. Whether they come in the form of new infectious diseases, climate-related health threats, or the evolving needs of our people. This forum is not just a meeting of minds, but a call to action to strengthen surveillance, re-enforce our collaboration, and build resilient health systems,” she said.
Assistant Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Alison Drayton, in her remarks, said the Caribbean’s response to health threats is imperative.
“Our region’s shared experience with recent public health threats has underscored the urgent need to transform intention into implementation, strategy into structure, and vision into verifiable results. It is not merely a matter of public health. It is a matter of regional development, resilience and sustainability,” she stressed.
Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, in delivering the keynote address, pointed to the importance of meaningful collaboration between CARICOM member states and a unified approach to tackling health threats.
“The Caribbean region, through CARPHA has made remarkable strides in building a regionally unified health security architecture. Small states, porous borders, climate vulnerabilities mean we cannot afford to work in silos. Thanks to the leadership of CARPHA and the endorsements of CARICOM Heads of Government, we are building the mechanism to act swiftly and decisively,” he noted.
The event underscores the region’s commitment to building a stronger, more responsive health security system—one that can better anticipate, prepare for, and manage future public health threats. The workshop concludes tomorrow.
