The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) joins the global community in observingWorld Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the region against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a serious and growing global public health threat to health security, healthcare systems and sustainable development, often referred to as thesilent pandemic.
AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites stop responding to medicines, making infections harder, and sometimes impossible to treat. Consistent with the WAAW 2025 theme – “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future”, CARPHA is urging “responsible use of antimicrobials” and highlighting the significant strides made through its Integrated AMR Programme.
CARPHA’s Integrated AMR Programme: Strengthening the Region’s Defenses
CARPHA’s new Integrated AMR Programme, supported by partners including the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Fleming Fund and the Pandemic Fund Project has emerged as a model for regional collaboration. The programme takes a comprehensive multi-faceted regional approach, strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity and coordinated action across sectors to detect, understand, and respond to AMR in the Caribbean.
Key Achievements of CARPHA’s AMR Programme include:
CARPHA Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Indar, emphasised the urgency of continued action:
“Antimicrobial resistance threatens the health and development of every Caribbean nation. Through CARPHA’s Integrated AMR Programme and the work of CARA, we are building a stronger, more resilient region. But success requires collective responsibility, governments, healthcare providers, veterinarians, farmers, laboratories, and the public all have a role to play”.
As CARPHA deepens its AMR work through strengthened surveillance, testing capacity and One Health partnerships, CARPHA remains committed to supporting Member States in preserving the effectiveness of life-saving medicines.
How We Can All Help Fight AMR
For the Public:
For Healthcare Providers:
For Animal and Agriculture Sectors:
During WAAW, CARPHA encourages all stakeholders, governments, clinicians, pharmacists, veterinarians, laboratories, community leaders, and the public to champion responsible use of antimicrobials and support AMR prevention initiatives.
