Health
-
16 Days of Activism: CARICOM SG calls for an End to Digital Abuse against Women and Girls
CARICOM stands in solidarity with the global community in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December). In her message, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett highlights the urgent need to confront violence against women and girls, including the growing threat of digital abuse. She reaffirms the Region’s commitment to building safe, inclusive societies where…
Read More » -
CARPHA Stands in Solidarity with the People of Jamaica Following the Impact of Hurricane Melissa
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. October 30, 2025. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of Jamaica, who continue to endure the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Our hearts are with the families who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods and with communities now facing the difficult task of rebuilding. As…
Read More » -
CARICOM-UNICEF Study Finds Caribbean Youth Facing High Rates of Depression and Anxiety
Friday, 24 October 2025 (CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown): A significant number of children and adolescents across the Caribbean are experiencing high levels of symptoms of depression and anxiety. This is according to the 2025 Caribbean Child and Youth Mental Health Research Study Report conducted by the CARICOM Secretariat and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). In 2024, the survey…
Read More » -
World Mental Health Day: Prioritising Mental Well-Being in Times of Crisis: Reflecting on Our Shared Commitment | 10 October
“The CARICOM Secretariat recognises that sustaining resilience across the Region begins with safeguarding well-being within our own organisation. Supporting colleagues, promoting psychological safety, and fostering a culture of empathy and care strengthen our collective capacity to respond effectively in times of uncertainty.” Tamara Bobb | Programme Manager | Health Sector Development | CARICOM Secretariat Tamara Bobb | Programme Manager |…
Read More » -
Grenada Leads Regional Charge against Non-Communicable Diseases with PAHO Hearts Initiative
Grenada has officially achieved national scale-up of the PAHO HEARTS initiative, marking a major milestone in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are no longer just a public health concern in Grenada—they are a national priority. In 2019, NCDs accounted for over 80% of all deaths in the country, with cardiovascular diseases responsible for four of the…
Read More » -
Caribbean Health Leaders Call for Urgent Action to Build Resilient Health Systems amidst Climate and Economic Threats
“Diseases carry profound financial consequences, resulting in losses due to reduced productivity and rising healthcare costs. Such realities highlight that health is not just a social priority; it is an economic imperative.”– Hon. Philip Telesford | Minister of Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs | Grenada and Chair of the 50th COHSOD-Health CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana | Saturday, 27…
Read More » -
COHSOD–Health Chair Urges Stronger Health Systems to Withstand Climate and Financial Shocks
“Our health systems remain vulnerable to hurricanes and floods. These events remind us of the urgent need for resilient health systems and integrated disaster response strategies. The evolving economic landscape has added another layer of complexity. Diseases carry profound financial consequences, resulting in losses due to reduced productivity and rising healthcare costs. Such realities highlight that health is not just…
Read More » -
Caribbean Health Sector Rallies for Resilience, Equity, and Innovation ahead of Fiftieth COHSOD
“We reaffirm our commitment to collective action, shared priorities, and the health and well-being of our Caribbean Community, amid a rapidly evolving global health landscape, changing donor priorities, and shifting regional and international dynamics. There is also an opportunity for us to focus on self-reliance and innovative strategies, ensuring that our Region not only responds to challenges but leads with…
Read More » -
Message | Dr Carla Barnett | Secretary-General, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) | Caribbean Wellness Day | 13 September 2025
Even as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) makes progress in advancing sustainable development, we face the continuing and costly challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes remain the leading causes of illness and death across our Region. Lifestyle factors, such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption, erode the health of our people,…
Read More » -
Calls for more investment in nurses as shortage hurts Region
The critical shortage of nurses in the Region and the resulting impacts on the health sector of Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are major concerns of policymakers and the Regional Nursing Body (RNB). The issues were a common thread of speakers at the opening of the 52nd Annual General Meeting of the RNB on Tuesday, 12 August in…
Read More »