Violence in the Caribbean: A Public Health Crisis
Introduction
Violence plagues the Region and represents a huge burden on health systems and major economic costs to society. Violence as a public health issue affects physical, mental, sexual, and even reproductive health.
Background
For this reason, "Violence in the Caribbean: A Public Health Crisis" was chosen as the theme for the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Annual Health Research Conference this year. The Conference presented an opportunity to address this public health concern and provide scientific evidence and epidemiological data that will demonstrate the nature of the violence; and how health systems can help to prevent and respond to violence as part of a multisectoral response.
Conference Highlights
The Conference, now in its 68th year, was hosted in collaboration with the Government of Saint Lucia, through the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs. Honourable Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, in his feature address at the Opening of the Conference, welcomed the research focus of the conference, stating that it will help to fill some of the gaps in our understanding of both the drivers of crime and violence, as well as their public health impacts, at an individual and community level.
Keynote Address
Speaking to over 300 attendees, the Prime Minister added that this scourge has all the characteristics of an epidemic. Based on the statistics from across our region, it could rightly be described as a public health crisis. Many factors are contributing to its spread, including poverty, lack of access to resources, inequitable distribution of the benefits of development, declining family values, and youth unemployment.
Awards and Recognition
The Conference was attended by Chief Medical Officers, researchers, physicians, nurses, law enforcement officials, and academia from across the Caribbean Region, Latin America, North America, and Europe. A series of events, including a Town Hall Meeting on Youth and Violence; Training in Monitoring and Evaluation and Data Appreciation; and meetings and training on vector-borne diseases took place leading up to the conference. A meeting of the CARICOM Chief Medical Officers was hosted ahead of the conference.
A highpoint of the Conference was the Awards Banquet, at which accomplished researchers were presented with a prestigious award honouring their contributions to science. This year, awards were presented to:
- Dr. Elizabeth Ward – recognised for her renowned work in the field of Violence and Mitigation “Distinguished Service for Public Health Approach to Violence and Mitigation”
- Dr. Elizabeth Mandeville received the Donald Simeon Award for the Best Student Paper
- Dr. Jihana Mottley received the David Picou Young Researcher Award
- 1st Place Poster Winner Ms. Bibi Ally-Charles
- 2nd Place Poster Winner Ms. Angelique Wilson-Parkinson
Conclusion
The Caribbean Public Health Agency Annual Health Research Conference has brought together experts from across the region to address the critical issue of violence in the Caribbean. The Conference has provided a platform for sharing research, data, and best practices in addressing this public health crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the theme of the Caribbean Public Health Agency Annual Health Research Conference?
A: The theme was "Violence in the Caribbean: A Public Health Crisis".
Q: Who was the keynote speaker at the Conference?
A: The keynote speaker was Dr. The Honourable Terrence Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Q: What were the highlights of the Conference?
A: The Conference featured oral presentations, poster presentations, and networking opportunities with exhibitors from Saint Lucia and the Region.
Q: Who were the award winners at the Conference?
A: The award winners were Dr. Elizabeth Ward, Dr. Elizabeth Mandeville, Dr. Jihana Mottley, Ms. Bibi Ally-Charles, and Ms. Angelique Wilson-Parkinson.