The Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory in Barbados has been designated a PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Surveillance, strengthening the Caribbean region’s ability to detect and respond to drug-resistant infections.
The new designation will allow the laboratory to support countries across the region through advanced surveillance, technical expertise, training, and improved data collection. The centre will help strengthen laboratory systems and improve public health responses to antimicrobial resistance.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses no longer respond effectively to medicines, creating a growing global health challenge. Health leaders have highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, research, and stronger surveillance systems to address this threat.
The Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory has developed significant expertise in microbiology, molecular diagnostics, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and whole genome sequencing. Its new role will position it as a regional reference centre supporting countries in the Eastern Caribbean.
The achievement reflects years of collaboration and investment from national and international partners. Support from global health organisations has helped expand laboratory capacity, strengthen disease monitoring, and improve the region’s ability to identify resistant pathogens.
The designation reinforces Barbados’ growing role in global health surveillance and highlights the importance of laboratory networks in protecting communities from emerging health threats. Through continued innovation and partnerships, the centre aims to improve AMR detection, research, and response across the Caribbean.
