Eastern Caribbean launches Pandemic Preparedness Project

A landmark initiative to boost pandemic preparedness and response in the Eastern Caribbean was officially launched at the Harbor Club in Saint Lucia last Tuesday, June 11, 2025. The project, entitled “Strengthening Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Emerging Health Threats in the Eastern Caribbean,” and funded by the Pandemic Fund, will benefit Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, a release from the PAHO/WHO regional office in Barbados states.

The launch brought together Ministers of Health and Agriculture; Permanent Secretaries; Chief Medical Officers and Chief Veterinary Officers of the six countries; senior representatives from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS); representatives of the three designated implementing entities – the World Bank, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO); and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); as well as the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Pandemic Fund, and members of the diplomatic corps.

A symbolic unveiling of a project plaque was held during the ceremony, marking the official start of this important initiative and reinforcing the commitment of regional partners to pandemic resilience.

Submitted jointly by PAHO/WHO, FAO, and the World Bank on behalf of the six independent OECS Member States, the multi-country project is funded through the Pandemic Fund, which was established in 2022 in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund 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 capacity.

The One Health approach, which recognizes the inter-dependence of human, animal, and environmental health will guide the implementation of activities across the six countries. The project will align with national and regional priorities and will focus on the following key pillars:

1. Conducting cross-sectoral assessments to identify gaps and set priorities;

2. Strengthening multi-sectoral surveillance and early response systems;

3. Improving laboratory diagnostic capacity for timely detection; and

4. 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.”

FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Caribbean, Dr Renata Clarke stated that, “A One Health approach allows us to act early and act more effectively by recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Building true resilience requires strengthening animal health systems, improving multi-sectoral surveillance, protecting ecosystems, and coordinating responses through joint planning.” She added that “ Human health cannot be safeguarded without parallel investments in veterinary services, environmental monitoring, and cross-sectoral coordination. With support from the Pandemic Fund, we are implementing integrated actions to reduce illness, saving lives, and minimizing economic disruptions”.