New agency to improve regional health

WASHINGTON (CMC):

Acting Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite, says the establishment of the Caribbean Regional Public Health Agency (CARPHA) will truly transform the health sector in the region.

Speaking at the second annual Partners of CARPHA conference here, she said that the transformation of the health sector would create an enabling environment in which the economic drivers could perform more effectively and attract further investments for economic growth.

"The vision for CARPHA is one of creating an environment in which our economies could draw on a pool of healthy workers. And also one in which our citizens, as well as visitors to our shores, could be guaranteed good public health facilities and regulations," she added.

five countries signed on

Five Caribbean countries have already signed the documents formally establishing the CARPHA, with other countries pledging to join in time for the annual summit of Caribbean leaders to be held here later this month.

CARPHA, to be based in Trinidad and Tobago, will replace five regional health institutions, including the Caribbean Epide-miology Centre, the Caribbean Environment Health Institute, the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute, the Caribbean Health Research Council and the Caribbean Regional Drug Testing Laboratory.

Ambassador Applewhaite said it is only by "pooling our resources and sharing services that our small-sized economies could provide sustainable, first-rate public health functions for our people", stressing the need for continued partnerships.

"CARPHA is consistent with the new modalities for achieving cost-effectiveness and value for money that has become a clarion call by most development agencies, and no less so for us in the Caribbean Community."