Health agency champions ‘building trust’

This event featured representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) across various regions, as well as the Africa and European Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the German Federal Ministry of Health.

Dr. Indar emphasized the importance of trust and regional collaboration in enhancing health emergency responses in the Caribbean. She articulated CARPHA’s strategy of tailoring public health interventions to the unique needs of the region, stating, “One shoe doesn't fit all in the Caribbean; you have to look at what the specific needs of the region are.”

She highlighted the interconnectedness of Caribbean nations, noting that an outbreak in one member state affects the entire region. Trusting relationships with stakeholders and a commitment to science are crucial for effective regional coordination.

As CARPHA serves 26 member states, it addresses public health from a perspective of global and regional health security, particularly given the region's interconnectivity and reliance on tourism.
The Pandemic Fund Project, which CARPHA executes, reflects the agency’s dedication to enhancing public health resilience in the Caribbean through sustainable funding and customized interventions aimed at pandemic preparedness.

During the summit, Dr. Indar also engaged with global health leaders, including Mandy Cohen from the U.S. CDC and Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus from the WHO, reinforcing CARPHA’s commitment to collaborative health security efforts.