Eastern Caribbean rolls out project to boost pandemic readiness

A project to enhance pandemic preparedness and response in the Eastern Caribbean was launched in Castries, Saint Lucia. The aim is to implement robust and integrated health systems that can more effectively address future health threats. Entitled Strengthening Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Emerging Health Threats in the Eastern Caribbean, the project is funded by the Pandemic Fund through a partnership between the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Bank. It will benefit Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The project’s central focus is on preventing outbreaks before they occur, detecting them early, and responding quickly and efficiently when they do occur. It takes a One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Key areas of focus include cross-sectoral assessments to identify gaps and define priorities, with a particular focus on surveillance, laboratory systems, and the capacity of trained health and veterinary personnel.