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CASTRIES, Saint Lucia — A landmark initiative to boost pandemic preparedness and response in the Eastern Caribbean was officially launched this week, marking a significant step toward building resilient, integrated health systems across the region. The project, titled “Strengthening Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Emerging Health Threats in the Eastern Caribbean,” is funded by the Pandemic Fund and implemented through a partnership involving the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Bank.
The initiative will benefit six countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. At the heart of the project is the One Health approach, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This strategy aims to prevent outbreaks before they begin, detect them early, and respond efficiently when they occur.
Key focus areas include:
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Cross-sectoral assessments to identify gaps and set priorities
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Strengthening multi-sectoral surveillance and early response systems
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Improving laboratory diagnostic capacity for timely detection
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Building and retaining skilled health and veterinary personnel
The launch event, held at the Harbor Club in Castries, brought together health and agriculture authorities, regional institutions such as the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), as well as representatives from the Pandemic Fund, diplomatic corps, and implementing agencies.
Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, described the launch as a major milestone. “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,” she said.
Priya Basu, Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund, highlighted the project’s catalytic power, noting a US$24.4 million grant from the Pandemic Fund that is helping to mobilize an additional US$30 million in co-investment and co-financing. “The Eastern Caribbean Regional Health Security Project is a vital step toward safeguarding lives and livelihoods across the region,” she stated.
Dr. Renata Clarke, FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Caribbean, emphasized the importance of strengthening animal health systems, improving multisectoral surveillance, protecting ecosystems, and coordinating responses through joint planning. “Human health cannot be safeguarded without parallel investments in veterinary services, environmental monitoring, and cross-sectoral coordination,” she added.
Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Division Director for the Caribbean, stressed the collaborative governance model of the initiative. “Working together with governments, the World Bank is striving to help countries deliver quality, affordable health services to the people of the Eastern Caribbean,” she said.
The project reflects a model of collaborative governance and multi-sectoral action, aiming to ensure that Eastern Caribbean countries are better equipped—technically, operationally, and institutionally—to prevent future outbreaks and respond decisively when they occur.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on information from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and its partners as of June 13, 2025. For official updates and further details, please refer to the original PAHO release or the respective agencies involved. The content is intended for informational purposes only and may be subject to change as the project progresses.
