The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) team has been actively engaging with regional and international partners across the Caribbean in early 2026 to strengthen coordination, share knowledge, and advance collective action against AMR. These efforts are supported in part by the UK Fleming Fund–backed initiative “Strengthening Antimicrobial Resistance Response in the Caribbean,” which focuses on improving surveillance, laboratory capacity, and data-driven decision-making across countries.
A key platform for regional coordination is the monthly “Caribbean AMR Catch-up,” where experts from multisectoral AMR committees, national action plan focal points, and professionals from health, agriculture, veterinary, environmental, and research sectors come together to exchange knowledge. In a recent session, Dr. Pilar Ramon-Pardo of PAHO presented updates on the upcoming PAHO Plan of Action on AMR 2027–2031, outlining the strategic direction and timelines for the next phase of regional work. The meetings, led and coordinated by PAHO subregional experts, continue to serve as an important space for aligning priorities and strengthening collaboration across Caribbean countries.
At the regional policy and innovation level, PAHO representative Dr. Nathalie El Omeiri participated in a roundtable organized by ICARS and IDRC focused on AMR innovation, resource mobilization, and priority setting under the People-Centred Caribbean AMR Research and Innovation Project. She emphasized the importance of linking stewardship initiatives with ongoing regional efforts such as laboratory strengthening, improved surveillance systems, and better use of AMR data for public health decision-making. She also highlighted the role of PAHO-led communities of practice in ensuring that project-based activities remain aligned with broader long-term regional AMR strategies.
In parallel, technical work to strengthen laboratory systems continues to be a major focus. Dr. Marcelo Galas, Technical Officer for AMR Surveillance, contributed to discussions on laboratory quality systems in the Eastern Caribbean, held with partners including PAHO and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). He stressed that strong laboratory infrastructure is essential for reliable surveillance and effective public health response, underscoring its foundational role in combating antimicrobial resistance.
Overall, these coordinated activities reflect growing regional commitment and sustained collaboration among Caribbean partners to strengthen health systems and improve the collective response to antimicrobial resistance through integrated planning, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.
