The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), has deployed members of its staff, who have joined sister CARICOM institution, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), to carry out rapid needs assessment in Dominica.

Dominica suffered widespread devastation to homes and infrastructure after Hurricane Maria, the second major storm to hit the Caribbean this month made landfall on the island on Monday.

CARPHA’s team will add its expertise to the water, sanitation and hygiene component of the evaluation. This includes assessing Dominica’s health facilities and water infrastructure.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is the new single regional public health agency for the Caribbean. It was legally established in July 2011 by an Inter-governmental Agreement signed by Caribbean Member States and began operation in January 2013. The Agency rationalises public health arrangements in the Region by combining the functions of five Caribbean Regional Health Institutions (RHIs) into a single agency. They are: · The Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) · The Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) · The Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI) · The Caribbean Health Research Council (CHRC) · The Caribbean Regional Drug Testing Laboratory (CRDTL) CARPHA brings these RHIs together as one strong force under a public health umbrella where issues requiring a regional response can be addressed.

CARPHA expresses deep concern and sympathy for the countries affected by Hurricane Maria.

“We urge Caribbean residents and visitors in the projected path of the storm to take continued precautions as it makes its way through the northern part of the Caribbean”, the agency said.