A significant initiative aimed at enhancing pandemic preparedness and response in the Eastern Caribbean was officially launched at the Harbor Club in Saint Lucia on June 11.
A release from PAHO explained that the project, titled “Strengthening Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Emerging Health Threats in the Eastern Caribbean,” is funded by the Pandemic Fund and is designed to benefit Dominica and other Eastern Caribbean countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
According to the organization, it adopts a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and will implement activities across the six countries
The launch event gathered Ministers of Health and Agriculture, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Medical Officers, and Chief Veterinary Officers from the six participating countries. Additionally, the release shared that senior representatives from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the World Bank, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Pandemic Fund, and members of the diplomatic community were present.
During the ceremony, PAHO reports that a symbolic unveiling of a project plaque took place, marking the formal initiation of this project and emphasizing the commitment of regional partners to pandemic resilience. The initiative was submitted jointly by PAHO/WHO, FAO, and the World Bank on behalf of the six OECS Member States.
It is financed through the Pandemic Fund, established in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund reportedly aims to support low and middle-income countries in strengthening systems for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response—focusing on surveillance, laboratory systems, and health workforce capacity.
It aligns with national and regional priorities and emphasizes four main pillars:
1. Conducting cross-sectoral assessments to identify gaps and set priorities;
2. Enhancing multi-sectoral surveillance and early response systems;
3. Improving laboratory diagnostic capacity for timely detection;
4. Building and retaining skilled health and veterinary personnel.
“This launch marks a major milestone for the Eastern Caribbean region,” remarked Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. “By embracing a One Health approach and reinforcing our systems together, we are building a future where countries can detect, respond to, and prevent emerging threats more effectively, protecting lives and livelihoods.”
Dr. Renata Clarke, FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Caribbean, noted that a One Health approach allows the region to act early and more effectively by recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
She acknowledged that building resilience requires strengthening animal health systems, improving multisectoral surveillance, protecting ecosystems, and coordinating responses through joint planning.
“Human health cannot be safeguarded without investments in veterinary services, environmental monitoring, and cross-sectoral coordination. With support from the Pandemic Fund, we are implementing integrated actions to reduce illness, save lives, and minimize economic disruptions,” stated Clarke.
At FAO, efforts related to animal health, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and intersectoral coordination are prioritized. FAO also reportedly collaborates with PAHO and the World Bank, which offer expertise in public health and development. The project is driven by country leadership, aligned with national priorities, and shaped by local perspectives, said PAHO.
Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Division Director for the Caribbean, emphasized, “An important element of this project is the collaboration between regional and international partners to strengthen health security in the Eastern Caribbean. Working together with governments, the World Bank aims to support countries in providing quality, affordable health services to their populations.”
Priya Basu, Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund, highlighted the significance of the initiative, saying, “The Eastern Caribbean Regional Health Security Project is a vital step toward safeguarding lives and livelihoods across the region.”
She continued:”The Pandemic Fund supports this effort with catalytic resources and a cross-sectoral approach that helps translate preparedness plans into sustained actions. The Fund’s ability to work across sectors and with diverse partners is exemplified by a US$24.4 million grant, which is helping to mobilize an additional US$30 million in co-investment and co-financing.”
PAHO defines the project as involving “the active involvement of both the health and agriculture sectors”, further stating that this it reflects “a model of collaborative governance and multi-sectoral action.”
The organization lists the goal as enhancing the technical, operational, and institutional capacity of countries in the Eastern Caribbean to prevent future outbreaks and to respond effectively when they occur.
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