Collaboration between CARPHA and PAHO to Improve Public Health in the Caribbean
Recent Meeting between CARPHA and PAHO
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and newly appointed Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Subregional Programme Director-Caribbean, Ad Interim, Dr Juan Manuel Sotelo, recently met at the CARPHA Trinidad Headquarters to discuss collaborations towards improved public health in the Caribbean region.
Established Partnership between CARPHA and PAHO
Ad Interim Executive Director, CARPHA, Dr Lisa Indar stated, “CARPHA and PAHO have a well-established partnership. As the sole regional public health agency for the Caribbean, CARPHA works with countries and regional and international organisations to improve and protect people’s health. Similarly, PAHO is the specialised health agency of the Inter-American System and also serves as Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). It is therefore fitting that PAHO and CARPHA continue to coordinate and align our work so that we can more efficiently and effectively address the critical public health problems facing our Caribbean Member States”.
Framework Agreement between CARPHA and PAHO
Currently, there exists a framework agreement (2022-2025) between the two organisations. Director Corporate Services, CARPHA, Dr Mark Sami explained, “This framework agreement sets out the general terms and conditions for joint cooperation activities and public health interventions in the Caribbean that support strategic plans of both CARPHA and PAHO”.
Strengthening Collaboration
Dr Juan Manuel Sotelo acknowledged the good work of CARPHA and stated, “PAHO and CARPHA have a longstanding history of working together and we need to build upon this with excellent communication, particularly in a very complex international context. I am optimistic that working close to the countries, their needs, and identifying opportunities, we all will do a better job”.
Discussions and Future Plans
During the talks, CARPHA delivered a presentation of the Agency’s work and ongoing collaborations with PAHO, which included communicable and non-communicable diseases, food safety, the Caribbean Regulatory System (CRS), medicine quality and control and health emergencies. Information sharing to better guide regional public health response was also discussed. Dr Franka des Vignes, PAHO Subregional Advisor, Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology attended the meeting, while Dr Horace Cox, Acting Director Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control, CARPHA joined virtually.
CARPHA and PAHO will continue discussions at the CARPHA Executive Board and The Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) meetings in Washington D.C. in September this year.
Conclusion
CARPHA and PAHO’s collaboration is crucial in addressing the public health challenges facing the Caribbean region. Their ongoing discussions and framework agreement will help to strengthen their partnership and improve the region’s public health response.
FAQs
* What is the purpose of the meeting between CARPHA and PAHO?
+ The meeting was held to discuss collaborations towards improved public health in the Caribbean region.
* What is the framework agreement between CARPHA and PAHO?
+ The framework agreement sets out the general terms and conditions for joint cooperation activities and public health interventions in the Caribbean that support strategic plans of both CARPHA and PAHO.
* What are the key areas of discussion between CARPHA and PAHO?
+ The key areas of discussion included communicable and non-communicable diseases, food safety, the Caribbean Regulatory System (CRS), medicine quality and control, and health emergencies.