The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is actively participating in World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), underscoring its dedication to combating the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Often termed the ‘silent pandemic,’ AMR occurs when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to medications, rendering infections increasingly difficult or impossible to treat. Aligning with the WAAW 2025 theme, ‘Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,’ CARPHA is advocating for the responsible use of antimicrobials and showcasing the progress made through its Integrated AMR Programme. This initiative, supported by key partners such as the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Fleming Fund, and the Pandemic Fund Project, exemplifies regional collaboration. The programme enhances surveillance, laboratory capacity, and coordinated actions across sectors to detect, understand, and respond to AMR in the Caribbean. A significant milestone is the establishment of the Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA), a joint effort between CARPHA and UKHSA, which serves as the technical backbone of CARPHA’s AMR agenda. CARA is advancing AMR Reference laboratory capacity across Trinidad, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia, developing a regional AMR surveillance system, and harmonizing standards and expertise. CARPHA has also expanded its Jamaica and Saint Lucia laboratories as regional reference hubs for AMR testing, reducing delays and improving pathogen detection. Through partnerships with UKHSA, CARPHA has bolstered workforce capacity, receiving technical experts to enhance surveillance, laboratory systems, and emergency response. Additionally, CARPHA, PAHO, and UKHSA have organized regional training workshops on phenotypic testing, molecular testing, and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Dr. Lisa Indar, CARPHA Executive Director, emphasized the urgency of collective action, stating, ‘Antimicrobial resistance threatens the health and development of every Caribbean nation. Success requires responsibility from governments, healthcare providers, veterinarians, farmers, laboratories, and the public.’ CARPHA continues to support Member States in preserving the effectiveness of life-saving medicines through strengthened surveillance, testing capacity, and One Health partnerships. During WAAW, CARPHA urges all stakeholders to champion responsible antimicrobial use and support AMR prevention initiatives.
Health Authorities Mark World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week
