THE Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has intensified efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across the Caribbean, hosting a high-level regional meeting aimed at strengthening surveillance systems and boosting coordinated action among global and regional partners.
The meeting, held earlier this month at CARPHA’s headquarters in Port of Spain, brought together key stakeholders to align strategies, assess progress, and enhance collaboration in support of member states facing growing AMR challenges.
Organised in partnership with the UK Department of Health and Social Care through the Fleming Fund, the forum focused on building resilient laboratory and surveillance systems across the region. Discussions also emphasised improving coordination in tackling AMR, widely regarded as one of the most serious global public health threats.
Health experts at the meeting warned that Caribbean countries face distinct vulnerabilities, including limited laboratory capacity, workforce shortages, and the cross-border spread of infectious diseases. Strengthening integrated surveillance systems across human, animal, and environmental health sectors—commonly referred to as the “One Health” approach—was identified as critical to improving regional health security and pandemic preparedness.
Participants included representatives from the UK Health Security Agency, the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions, and the Pan American Health Organization, alongside CARPHA’s technical teams. Among those attending were Nadav Lavi of the Fleming Fund, David O’Brien of Global Health IDRC, Kristina Osbjer of ICARS, and Dr. Pilar Ramon-Pardo of PAHO.
Executive Director of CARPHA, Lisa Indar, underscored the urgency of addressing AMR, describing it as a “serious and growing threat” to regional health systems. She noted that strengthened partnerships are enabling CARPHA to improve its capacity to detect, monitor and respond to antimicrobial resistance in a coordinated and sustainable manner.
Dr. Indar added that the initiative reflects a shared commitment to supporting member states through enhanced surveillance, laboratory strengthening and workforce development, ensuring the Caribbean remains prepared for emerging health threats.
CARPHA said the outcomes of the meeting will guide ongoing and future investments under the Fleming Fund and related global health programmes. Planned initiatives include expanding laboratory services, improving data-sharing systems, and deepening collaboration across sectors to ensure a sustained regional response to antimicrobial resistance.