On September 11, 2024, a pivotal virtual meeting brought Caribbean health officials and regional leaders face-to-face with some of the most pressing health challenges confronting the region.
As preparations intensify for the Forty-Seventh Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) – Health, the discussions were dominated by the alarming rise in Mpox cases, and a significant surge in Malaria and Dengue fever.
Chaired by Dr. Andy St Hilaire, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer in Dominica, the meeting drew participation from Chief Medical Officers, national health officials, and representatives from regional institutions including CARPHA, CDEMA, and the Human Resources for Health Caribbean Commission. Key international partners like the Global Fund and PAHO/WHO also joined the conversation.
Ms. Tamara Bobb, Programme Manager of Health Sector Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, delivered a sobering opening address. She highlighted the recent impact of Hurricane Beryl on health systems in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, noting that climate change is expected to exacerbate such events.
Additionally, Bobb emphasized the rising incidence of endemic diseases such as Dengue and Malaria and warned of the Mpox outbreak, declared a global health emergency by WHO in August 2024.
With NCDs continuing to be a leading cause of death in the region, Bobb stressed that about 76% of all deaths are due to these diseases. The meeting also addressed the increasing crime and violence, which has been recognized as a public health issue by regional Heads of Government.
The session set a crucial agenda for the upcoming COHSOD, highlighting the need for enhanced regional health systems and strategic international partnerships.
The preparatory meeting underscored the urgency of addressing these escalating health threats and laid the groundwork for robust discussions at the forthcoming COHSOD – Health on September 27-28, 2024, in Washington, DC.
