Meeting of Officials Preparatory to the 47th COHSOD – Health

Discussions and Presentations

Crime and violence as a public health issue, regional health security, human resources for health, disease surveillance, and matters pertaining to the Port-of-Spain Declaration on Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) were among the priority issues discussed at the Meeting of Officials preparatory to the 47th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) – Health, held virtually on Sept. 11.

The Meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Dr. Andy St. Hilaire, Officer-in- Charge, Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Dominica. Chief Medical Officers, national health officials and representatives from regional institutions and bodies, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Human Resources for Health Caribbean Commission and the Regional Nursing Body, were in attendance. Regional and international partners, the Global Fund and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organisation (WHO), also participated.

Presentations and Discussions

Presentations were made on the Region’s epidemiological trends, specifically how these will affect policy, and the possible approaches to eliminate communicable diseases. Discussions also focused on strengthening the Region’s health systems and boosting its human resources for health capacity. Of special significance was the presentation of the policy brief on the migration of healthcare workers in the Caribbean, for consideration by health sector development stakeholders.

Opening Remarks

Delivering opening remarks, Tamara Bobb, Programme Manager of Health Sector Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, underscored the impact of Hurricane Beryl on CARICOM Member States. She referred to the devastation in Grenada and, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the significant setbacks to the respective health systems. “Events such as these are only expected to intensify due to the effects of climate change,” stated Bobb.

Epidemiological Trends

The Programme Manager highlighted an increase in the incidence of endemic infectious diseases, including Dengue and Malaria. In addition, she noted that Member States have been advised to remain vigilant to the threat of Mpox, which was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO in August 2024.

NCDs and Crime and Violence

“NCDs continue to be among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the Caribbean,” stated Bobb, “Approximately 76 per cent of all deaths in the Region are caused by NCDs.” She also advised that the incidence of crime and violence has increased in the Region, leading to its declaration by Heads of Government as a public health issue in 2023.

International Representation

Regarding the Region’s representation within international fora, the Programme Manager emphasised that the CARICOM Secretariat remains committed to ensuring that Member States’ specific needs are expressed and that the Community continues to make valuable contributions to setting the global health agenda. She invited the Meeting to consider the development of key international partnerships and the implications of the Amendments to the International Health Regulations that were recently passed in the Seventh-Seventh World Health Assembly.

Conclusion

This Meeting was crucial to the continued leadership and strategic direction of the Region’s health sector development as critical stakeholders prepare for the 4tth COHSOD – Health, which will be held 27-28 September 2024 in Washington DC, United States of America.

FAQs

Q: What were the priority issues discussed at the Meeting of Officials?

A: Crime and violence as a public health issue, regional health security, human resources for health, disease surveillance, and matters pertaining to the Port-of-Spain Declaration on Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) were among the priority issues discussed.

Q: Who attended the Meeting?

A: Chief Medical Officers, national health officials and representatives from regional institutions and bodies, including CARPHA, CDEMA, the Human Resources for Health Caribbean Commission and the Regional Nursing Body, as well as regional and international partners.

Q: What were the main focus areas of the presentations?

A: The presentations focused on epidemiological trends, strengthening the Region’s health systems, and boosting its human resources for health capacity, as well as the possible approaches to eliminate communicable diseases.