The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched a new regional honor—the Suzan McLennon-Miguel Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Leadership Award—to recognize outstanding efforts in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major and growing global health threat often described as the “silent pandemic.” The award commemorates the legacy of the late Dr. Suzan McLennon-Miguel, a distinguished Jamaican veterinarian and public health advocate, whose work over three decades spanned disaster response, veterinary health, food safety, and AMR awareness.
Dr. McLennon-Miguel was a strong supporter of the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to address complex health issues like AMR. She was widely admired for her practical and compassionate leadership, including her role in animal health during the 2021 St. Vincent volcanic eruption and her creative initiatives such as “Doc Sue’s Happy Rooms”—safe, nurturing hospital spaces for children in Jamaica. Her legacy continues to influence regional health policy and community engagement.
Nominations for the award are open to individuals or organizations in the Caribbean who have demonstrated a significant commitment to combating AMR through education, innovation, policy development, community programs, or research—all from a One Health perspective. The nomination period runs through 30 September 2025, and the winner will be announced during World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week on 18 November 2025.
The recipient will be invited to PAHO Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where they will participate in regional discussions on AMR, engage with global health experts, and showcase their work. They will also receive a commemorative plaque as a symbol of recognition for their contribution to health security in the Caribbean.
AMR poses an urgent threat in the region, jeopardizing everything from routine treatments to cancer care and surgery. It occurs when pathogens evolve resistance to the medications used to treat them, making infections harder—and sometimes impossible—to cure. In response, PAHO is working to bolster surveillance, laboratory infrastructure, and public awareness, supported by initiatives like the UK Government’s Fleming Fund and new regional partnerships.
Through this award, PAHO not only honors Dr. McLennon-Miguel’s extraordinary legacy but also aims to inspire a new generation of Caribbean leaders to take decisive action against AMR and protect future public health gains.
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