Caribbean Leaders Urge Strengthening of Region's Health Systems

Caribbean health ministers today called for the construction of resilient health systems, labeling it an imperative for the stability of the region. The appeal was made during the Fiftieth Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development–Health (Cohsod-Health) of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), attended by health authorities from across the Caribbean.

Health as an Economic and Social Priority

"Illness carries profound financial consequences, resulting in losses due to reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs. These realities highlight that health is both a social priority and an economic imperative," stated the meeting's declaration.

The Minister of Health of Grenada, Philip Telesford, who chaired the 50th Cohsod-Health, emphasized that the current economic landscape adds complexity to health challenges, with consequences for the workforce and national budgets.

Confluence of Multiple Crises

For her part, the Caricom Assistant Secretary-General for Human and Social Development, Alison Drayton, warned about the confluence of multiple crises.

"We face ongoing challenges, such as emerging communicable diseases, premature mortality, and a shortage of health personnel. Climate change and rising crime add further complexities, all within a volatile global geopolitical context," affirmed Drayton.

Regional Cooperation Highlighted

Despite the challenges, the meeting served to highlight key achievements in regional health cooperation, including pandemic preparedness, strategic partnerships with the Pan American Health Organization, and the recognition of crime as a public health problem.

The conclave concluded by reaffirming the region's commitment to collaborative leadership and proactive responses to emerging health threats.