Bridgetown, Barbados, 13 April, 2026, PAHO/WHO – Today, technical experts and leaders from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) reaffirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration in addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and violence-related injuries, strengthen surveillance systems, and diabetes and obesity prevention priorities and further align technical cooperation being provided to Caribbean member states.
This strengthened partnership is aligned with the recently approved PAHO Strategic Plan 2026–2031, endorsed by all Member States, which establishes clear outcomes and measurable indicators for accelerating progress in the prevention and management of NCDs, mental health conditions, violence, and injuries. Caribbean countries, as committed partners under this framework, have underscored their shared responsibility to translate these commitments into tangible health gains.
Recognizing the importance of alignment, cooperation, and optimization in the use of resources, PAHO and CARPHA are joining forces to ensure that technical support to countries is coherent, efficient, and impactful. This collaboration reflects a shared vision, which has been captured in the PAHO – CARPHA Framework Agreement, to leverage comparative advantages and maximize the reach and effectiveness of NCD interventions across the region.
“By aligning our efforts and working in close cooperation, we are better positioned to support Member States in delivering on their commitments and achieving measurable improvements in population health,” said, Piedad Huerta, Acting Director of the PAHO Caribbean Subregional Program Coordination Office.
Similarly, CARPHA Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Indar, stated, “Understanding that both CARPHA and PAHO share similarities in technical cooperation for Caribbean countries, a well-coordinated, seamless collaboration strategy is crucial to ensure effective technical cooperation. CARPHA remains committed to working closely with PAHO to continue coordinating and aligning its work to more effectively address the critical public health problems facing our Member States”.
The joint areas of work include:
- Strengthening NCD surveillance systems, including harmonization of indicators, data-sharing mechanisms, and development of regional analytical tools;
- Enhancing cancer registry capacity to improve data quality and support evidence-based decision-making;
- Advancing violence and injury surveillance, with a focus on improving documentation and use of data within health systems;
- Supporting diabetes and nutrition initiatives, including clinical pathways, school nutrition standards, and growth monitoring interventions.
Through this coordinated approach, PAHO and CARPHA will jointly operationalize shared goals by conducting harmonized capacity-building activities and supporting countries in implementing integrated and sustainable public health solutions. This collaboration underscores a collective commitment to accountability and results, ensuring that regional and global health targets are met through strengthened partnerships and coordinated action.
