Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. July 1, 2025. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) along with our member states commemorate Caribbean Public Health Day. The theme “Stronger Together: Public Health is Everyone’s Responsibility” reinforces the shared duty of governments, partners, communities and individuals to protect and promote public health across the Region.
Caribbean Public Health Day, observed annually on July 2nd, highlights the importance of public health systems in building healthy, safe, and resilient societies. It also marks the establishment of CARPHA, an innovative pillar that fosters regional cooperation, provides strategic direction, in analysing, defining and responding to public health priorities of the Caribbean Community, while promoting One Health approaches, disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency response.
This year’s theme calls attention to the interconnectedness of public health and everyday life. From climate-related health risks and arboviral diseases to chronic illnesses and emerging infectious threats, the Caribbean continues to face complex challenges that require unified, community focused solutions.
“Public health is the foundation of our region’s prosperity and security,” said Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director, CARPHA. “It affects our economies, our education systems, and our way of life. Caribbean Public Health Day is a powerful reminder that every person, every household, and every member state has a role to play in championing and protecting our collective health.”
This year, CARPHA also honors the tireless efforts of public health workers inclusive of epidemiologists, lab technicians, nurses, sanitation staff, educators, and volunteers, whose contributions may often go unrecognised.
As we look toward a healthier future for the Caribbean, let us remember that we are stronger when we act together. Public health is not just the work of scientific experts; it is a shared responsibility that begins with you!
What Can You Do?
- Practice healthy habits and encourage others to do the same.
- Stay informed through credible sources, such as CARPHA, on health updates, risks and prevention strategies.
- Support public health initiatives in your community like clean up and proper waste disposal campaigns, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or education.
About CARPHA:
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is the sole regional public health agency for the Caribbean. It was legally established in July 2011 by an Inter-governmental Agreement (IGA) signed by Heads of Caribbean Governments and began operations in January 2013. The Agency rationalises public health interventions in the Region by consolidating the functions of five (5) previously existing regional health institutions into a single instrument of Caribbean Cooperation in Health. These institutions were from the fields of environmental health, surveillance and epidemiology, food and nutrition, research, and laboratory testing, including pharmaceutical testing. The Agency is headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago with additional offices in Jamaica and Saint Lucia. CARPHA serves 26 Member States from CARICOM, Associate CARICOM Member States and Dutch Overseas Countries and Territories.
View Caribbean Public Health Day Statement by Dr. Lisa Indar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E00waUf2UTc
View some of CARPHA’s work in the region: CARPHA 2024 Highlight - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCPETlxFnS0ZeAnAuD3Geb63mUqxT-AU_
For more information on the extensive work of CARPHA, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram or visit the website: www.carpha.org