The Hon. Jeanne Atherden, JP MP

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is the new single regional public health agency for the Caribbean. It was legally established in July 2011 by an Inter-Governmental Agreement signed by Caribbean Community Member States and began operation in January 2013. CARPHA’s mission is to provide strategic direction, in analysing, defining and responding to public health priorities of CARICOM, in order to prevent disease, promote health and to respond to public health threats and emergencies. All of the Territories are full members of CARPHA.

Purpose of the visit: To enhance PAHO/WHO technical cooperation in health with the UK Overseas Territories.

Expected Results:

1. Orientation provided to Ministers on PAHO/WHO and its regional programs;

2. PAHO/WHO Strategy for Technical Cooperation with the United Kingdom Overseas Territories  (UKOTs) in the Caribbean signed;

3. Technical support for the implementation of the Strategy discussed.

Agenda Items to Highlight:

The 54th Directing Council as part of the 67th session of the Regional Committee of WHO for the Americas meets once a year.

The Council meets to review the PAHO Program and Budget 2016-2017 and the new scale of contributions together with program issues.

First Joint Meeting of the Signatories to the Hamilton Declaration and the Sargasso Sea Commission - 20 to 22 October, 2014.