Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. April 20, 2026. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) proudly extends sincere appreciation to all Medical Laboratory Professionals across the Region in observance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 19–25, 2026.
CARPHA acknowledges the dedication, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment of laboratory professionals who continue to advance laboratory surveillance and uphold standards of diagnostic excellence. These efforts remain foundational to effective public health action and are critical to strengthening national and regional health systems.
Special recognition is extended to the Agency’s Caribbean Public Health Agency Medical Microbiology Laboratory (CMML) team and the professionals at the Environmental Health and Sustainable Development (EHSD) and Medicines Quality Control and Surveillance Department (MQCSD), in charge of the respective CMML branches for Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) testing. Their contributions across data entry, virology, bacteriology, antimicrobial resistance testing and all supporting areas significantly contribute to public health interventions across CARPHA Member States.
Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director, CARPHA commended all reference laboratory staff within the Caribbean Public Health Laboratory Network (CariPHLN) for their continued commitment to strengthening regional health security and advancing public health systems. Dr. Indar added, “Through sustained collaboration and coordinated response, laboratory professionals across the network have significantly enhanced the Region’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats”.
In recognition of these contributions, a series of virtual activities will be hosted throughout the week by the CARPHA CariPHLN Coordinator. These engagements are designed to promote professional recognition, foster collaboration, and encourage team building among laboratory personnel across Member States. Activities include interactive competitions, recognition of outstanding laboratory professionals, and opportunities to showcase impactful work and innovations within national laboratories.
CARPHA reaffirms its commitment to supporting laboratory professionals through continued investment in capacity building, integrated laboratory networks, and the advancement of diagnostic technologies. The Agency recognizes that strong laboratory systems are central to pandemic preparedness and regional resilience.
Photo Captions:
Photo Caption: Dr. Lisa Indar- Executive Director with regional Laboratory Directors and key CARPHA staff attending the 2025 Annual CariPHLN Meeting, in Georgetown Guyana, July 24th – 26th, 2025.
Photo Caption: CMML Medical Laboratory Professionals at CARPHA Headquarters (2025).