“If infectious diseases know no boundaries, our individual and collective actions today will determine how well we are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.”
The words of Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr Lisa Indar, at the opening ceremony of the Regional Health Security and Regional Coordinating Mechanism for Health Security Workshop in Guyana on Monday. The workshop aims to update member states on Caribbean-tailored measures for the advancement of regional health security.
Dr. Indar says that with the transboundary spread of infectious diseases leading to outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics, it is imperative to build a resilient health system.
“The purpose of the regional coordinating mechanism for health security, of which CARPHA serves as the chair, is to oversee the coordinated planning and implementation of regional response to public health threats and emergencies and to provide a forum to participants to provide updates, share strategies, generate discussion, and support region-wide approaches to address public health priorities.”
Guyana’s Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, says the reality of health security in the 21st century demands more than just vigilance: a clear vision is needed.
He also notes that some of the most significant threats to global health security do not come from viruses or weapons but from within the health system.
“So what do we do now? First, we must adopt the One Health approach, recognising human health, animal health, and agriculture and environment are closely linked. Second, we must strengthen preparedness through the full disaster management cycle, from planning and mitigation to rapid response, recovery, and long-term resilience.”
The workshop is being funded by the Pandemic Fund. According to Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund, Dr. Priya Basu, the demand for support has been extraordinary. She says her organisation remains committed to ensuring the Caribbean is financially prepared for health emergencies.
“The Pandemic Fund has allocated $68 million so far, or about 8% of total grants awarded to date to the Caribbean region. This includes support for a regional project led by CARPHA, which was the first of the Pandemic Fund projects to be launched, a multi-country project covering six Eastern Caribbean small island developing states, and three single-country projects in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname.”
The two-day workshop ends on July 29th.