The recent declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the outbreak of mpox, specifically the more transmissible clade 1b, emphasises the importance of heightened vigilance within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). As of 14 August 2024, this outbreak has been classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), which necessitates a unified and proactive approach.

The Caribbean region is especially vulnerable to the rapid transboundary spread of disease and has experienced numerous infectious disease outbreaks, including COVID-19, Cholera, HIV, Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, Norovirus, SARS, H1N1, which have had profound human, economic, and social impacts.

“CARPHA’s multisectoral Rapid Response Team stands ready to provide immediate support in surveillance, food, water and environmental safety and vector-borne disease control to our Member States. Our regional referral laboratories are also ready to provide rapid testing of clinical, food, water and environmental samples as needed.”

“With these storms that would be coming through the Region, if it is one facility or institution that should remain standing it should be a hospital. When I hear reports that the hospitals in the Grenadines are basically destroyed and people don’t know what has happened to the patients there, it is frightening.”

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 3 July 2024 - Caribbean Public Health Day (CPHD) is celebrated annually on 2 July to raise awareness about public health’s vital role in the lives of Caribbean people and to highlight the work of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). This day coincides with the anniversary of CARPHA, the Region’s sole public health agency, which was legally established in July 2011 and operationalized in 2013 following the signing of an Intergovernmental Agreement by CARICOM Heads of Government.