CARPHA calls for stronger integrated surveillance

The Caribbean Public Health Agency, CARPHA, has called for stronger integrated surveillance and One Health Action as it marked World Health Day, observed on April 7.

In a release it makes reference to the World Health Organization (WHO), which states that approximately 600 million people fall ill from food borne diseases annually, resulting in an estimated 420,000 deaths worldwide. In 2024, around 75% of emerging infectious diseases were zoonotic in origin, with climate change, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and environmental degradation increasing health risks globally, the CARPHA release notes.

In the Caribbean, Foodborne Diseases (FBDs) are among the most frequently reported illnesses in both residents and visitors. Regional burden-of-illness studies indicate that approximately 1 in 49 individuals contract an FBD annually, rising to 1 in 11 during large mass gatherings, with nearly 43% of cases occurring in children aged 1–4 years (CARPHA, 2019). The tourism-dependent economies of the Caribbean are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of FBD outbreaks, including reputational damage, loss of revenue, and potential trade restrictions. Surveillance of FBDs is therefore an essential component of CARPHA’s integrated disease monitoring system and supports Member States in meeting obligations under the IHR (2005), as well as improving JEE and SPAR performance.

CARPHA outlines that the One Health approach recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health, and the need for coordinated, cross-sectoral action to prevent and respond to disease risks. As such, integrated, science-based, multi-sectoral approaches such as One Health are critical to strengthening global health security. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is therefore reinforcing the urgent need for a more integrated and coordinated approach to public health surveillance across the Region, emphasising the importance of collaboration among health sectors under the One Health framework. Originating under the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) in 2003 and expanded under CARPHA since 2013, CARPHA’s FBD and Zoonoses (One Health) programme aligns with WHO’s recommended farm-to-table, multi-sectoral surveillance model.

CARPHA’s Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar, emphasised that a unified and multi-sectoral approach is essential to safeguarding the health of the populations of Member States.

“CARPHA has advanced a regional One Health approach to strengthen integrated surveillance for food borne diseases and zoonoses, which includes the development of a Regional One Health FBD Action Plan, support to Member States in updating National Action Plans, and establishment of the One Health Multisectoral Steering Committee (OHMSC) to improve inter-agency coordination,” Dr. Indar is quoted to have stated.

“CARPHA is also developing the Regional Integrated Early Warning and Surveillance System (RIEWSS), which integrates human, animal, environmental, and laboratory data to enhance early detection and response,” she added.

“ Laboratory capacity has been strengthened through regional partnerships and deployment of rapid diagnostic tools, alongside expanded collaboration with agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Pan American Health Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health, the Caribbean Agriculture Health Food and Safety Agency, the Caribbean Animal Health Network and others”.

CARPHA is advocating for a series of strategic actions to strengthen the Region’s public health response such as:

Strengthening integrated surveillance systems across human, animal, and environmental health sectors to improve early detection and response to health threats.

Enhancing real-time data sharing and interoperability, including the use of digital platforms such as DHIS2, to support timely, evidence-informed decision-making.

Expanding laboratory capacity and diagnostic capabilities across Member States to ensure accurate and rapid identification of public health risks.

Formalising multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms and governance structures to facilitate cohesive and effective responses at national and regional levels.

Investing in workforce development and One Health training to build a skilled and agile public health workforce equipped to address complex health challenges.

Promoting evidence-based decision-making and sustained regional collaboration to strengthen resilience and improve health outcomes across the Caribbean.