Health leaders across the Caribbean have strengthened regional efforts to address healthcare workforce shortages and the growing burden of chronic diseases. The Human Resources for Health Caribbean Commission (HRH-CC) held its 10th meeting on June 17, 2026, bringing together policymakers, health officials, and regulatory organizations to advance solutions for stronger and more resilient health systems.
The meeting, organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the CARICOM Secretariat, focused on two major challenges affecting Caribbean healthcare systems: the migration of skilled health workers and the increasing impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions.
Dr. Asha Kisoon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Guyana’s Ministry of Health, assumed the Chair of the Commission during the meeting and emphasized the need for greater investment in health worker education, training, workforce planning, and professional development. She also highlighted the potential of digital health tools, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence to support healthcare workers and expand access to care.
Regional cooperation was identified as a key factor in overcoming shared healthcare challenges. CARICOM officials noted that collaboration among Caribbean countries is essential due to the limited size of many health systems and the common workforce pressures facing the region.
The Commission reviewed progress made through initiatives such as the Human Resources for Resilient Health Systems Caribbean Roadmap 2025–2030 and the Caribbean Action Plan on the Migration and Mobility of Health Workers. These frameworks aim to strengthen workforce planning, reduce the impact of health worker migration, and improve long-term healthcare capacity.
The meeting also addressed the role of community health workers in preventing and managing chronic diseases. Leaders reviewed new recommendations for developing competency-based frameworks that would help community health workers provide better support for NCD prevention and care.
Additional discussions focused on strengthening nursing and midwifery services across the region. The Commission advanced plans for a Regional Nursing Body Strategic Plan Framework for 2026–2035, while also examining ways to expand the role of Advanced Practice Nurses in areas such as mental health and chronic disease management.
The meeting concluded with the endorsement of the HRH-CC Workplan for 2026, establishing a shared roadmap to build a sustainable, skilled, and well-regulated health workforce capable of meeting the Caribbean’s future healthcare needs.
