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C’bean launches project to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response

Published:Tuesday | June 17, 2025 | 12:08 AM
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), applauds as member countries approve an agreement to combat future pandemics, during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) at the European headquarters of the United Nati
AP
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), applauds as member countries approve an agreement to combat future pandemics, during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

CASTRIES (CMC):

The Eastern Caribbean has launched a project to boost pandemic preparedness and response in the sub-region bringing renewed focus to building resilient, integrated health systems that can better detect and respond to future health threats.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said the project, titled “Strengthening Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Emerging Health Threats in the Eastern Caribbean,” is funded by the Pandemic Fund and will benefit Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Kitts-Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

It is being implemented through a partnership between PAHO/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Bank.

PAHO said that by taking a One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, the project focuses on preventing outbreaks before they begin, detecting them early, and responding quickly and efficiently when they do occur.

It said key areas of focus include conducting cross-sectoral assessments to identify gaps and set priorities; strengthening multi-sectoral surveillance and early response systems; improving laboratory diagnostic capacity for timely detection; and building and retaining skilled health and veterinary personnel.

“This launch marks a major milestone for the Eastern Caribbean region,” said 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,” she added.

PAHO said the Pandemic Fund was established in 2022 in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and that it supports low- and middle-income countries to strengthen critical systems for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, with an emphasis on surveillance, laboratory systems, and health workforce. A symbolic unveiling of the project plaque took place last weekend bringing together a broad cross-section of partners and stakeholders, including regional institutions like the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).