GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, has officially announced the 70th Annual Health Research Conference (AHRC), scheduled for April 22-24, 2026. The event will be hosted at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in Georgetown, marking a historic milestone as the longest-running health research gathering in the English-speaking Caribbean.
Under the theme “Innovations in Health,” the conference will celebrate seven decades of scientific advancement, regional collaboration, and evidence-based policy-making in public health. Executive Director of CARPHA, Dr. Lisa Indar, emphasized the transformative power of innovation, stating: “Public health innovations are engines of modern well-being—they turn deadly outbreaks into manageable obstacles, extend life expectancy, and bring quality health services to remote corners of the world.” She highlighted cutting-edge tools such as AI-driven epidemic prediction systems and smart vaccines as key examples.
Guyana’s role as host reflects its significant investments in health infrastructure and digital medicine. Honourable Dr. Frank Anthony, Guyana’s Minister of Health, outlined the country’s pioneering work in telemedicine, drone-based medicine delivery, and AI-assisted medical imaging. He also noted Guyana’s progress toward eliminating five neglected tropical diseases by 2030, offering valuable lessons for regional partners.
The conference will gather researchers, medical professionals, policymakers, and international partners to explore technological advancements shaping disease prevention, diagnostic accuracy, and health equity. It aims to strengthen collective preparedness against emerging health threats while honoring CARPHA’s legacy of regional cooperation.