At a regional conference held at the Pegasus Hotel in Guyana, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) presented its ambitious 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. This blueprint seeks closer synergy between Caricom member states, CARPHA itself and adjacent regional organizations, with the goal of strengthening the resilience of the public health sector to blows.
Armstrong Alexis, deputy secretary general of Caricom, indicated during the kick-off that the plan is responsive to the multiple challenges currently facing the region. "In a world marked by geopolitical twists and turns, climate risks and new infection threats, this strategy offers direction. Member states can coordinate their interventions and scale up collectively during emergencies thanks to this roadmap," Alexis said.
According to Alexis, the Caribbean suffers from an accumulation of pressing issues: economic fluctuations, extreme weather conditions that strain public health, and frequent infectious disease outbreaks. "To operate effectively, we must sharply define our roles, streamline reporting lines and reduce the number of overlapping programs. Only then will we realize impact that is tangible for citizens," he stressed.
The launch a joint initiative of Alexis and CARPHA director Lisa Indar is committed to three pillars: strengthening regional care networks, driving technological innovation and delivering clear, measurable outcomes. Innovative surveillance tools, shared training programs for healthcare professionals and harmonized data platforms are central to its implementation.
With this five-year plan, Alexis said Caricom is stepping into a new era of public-private partnerships and cross-border coalitions. "Health threats know no borders," he stated. "With this joint approach, we can not only mitigate crises, but also achieve sustainable health gains for all Caribbean communities."
