In a significant move to bolster regional health security, the University of the West Indies (UWI) recently convened a virtual assembly of over 40 veterinary and public health specialists, laboratory experts, and academic researchers from approximately ten Caribbean nations and territories. The strategic session, organized in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), focused on enhancing collaborative efforts in infectious disease diagnostics, genomic surveillance, and scientific research.
Co-ordinated by Professor Christine Carrington, Professor of Molecular Genetics and Virology, and Dr. Arianne Brown-Jordan, Laboratory Coordinator and Research Scientist at The UWI/PAHO/WHO Reference Sequencing Laboratory, the gathering marked a pivotal step toward regional health cooperation. The primary outcome was a consolidated commitment to improve coordination and eliminate redundant efforts as genomic surveillance capabilities expand throughout the Caribbean.
Key priorities identified include specialized training in genomics and bioinformatics, the development of national genomic surveillance strategies, and stronger advocacy for incorporating genomics into public health policy and preparedness structures. Professor Carrington emphasized the value of shared insights, stating, “We all gained valuable insights into the needs and concerns of other stakeholders… and most importantly how we can support each other.”
The meeting underscored the essential role of partnerships among academic institutions, regional health agencies, and international organizations in constructing resilient, data-driven health systems. Professor Carrington also unveiled plans for a UWI Centre of Excellence for One Health molecular epidemiology and genomics, intended to serve as a central hub for research, training, and collaboration.
Discussions addressed practical implementation challenges, such as workforce development, sustainable financing, policy integration, and equitable access to resources. Presentations from Dr. Jairo Méndez-Rico of PAHO and Dr. Sue Min Nathaniel of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) highlighted ongoing initiatives and regional vulnerabilities, stressing the need for timely data and coordinated response mechanisms.
Feature presenter Professor Nuno Faria of Imperial College London illustrated how genomic epidemiology can generate actionable public health intelligence, using case studies from arbovirus outbreaks. The session concluded with a focus on integrating genomic data into national surveillance frameworks and the importance of developing clear strategies for genomic adoption in public health infrastructure.