29/07/2025
Dr Anthony Urges Global Unity and Investment in Resilient Health Systems at Regional Security Workshop.
At the opening of the joint Regional Health Security (RHS) and Regional Coordinating Mechanism for Health Security (RCM-HS) Workshop, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, made a call to action on behalf of the Government of Guyana, urging global leaders and regional partners to unite in building robust, future-ready health systems through visionary action, strategic investment, and strong partnerships.
In his keynote address, the Minister welcomed delegates to the “land of many waters” and reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to transforming the Caribbean’s health security architecture amid rising global challenges.
“Health security in the 21st century is not confined by borders; it is dynamic, complex, and increasingly shaped by the intersection of environmental threats, misinformation, and systemic vulnerabilities. We must not only prepare, we must partner. We must act, together,” Dr Antony said.
This two-day workshop is being hosted by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Pandemic Fund Project, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The workshop aims to strengthen regional capacities to protect public health and respond to infectious diseases, pandemics, and other health threats. Achieving effective RHS requires a comprehensive understanding of the RHS pathway, region-specific public health goods (RPGs), and mechanisms that support coordinated, harmonized action among Member States (MS), regional agencies, and international partners.
In light of the evolving global and regional landscape, the workshop also provides a platform to update Member States on Caribbean-specific strategies to enhance RHS, share experiences on preparedness and response, and deepen collaboration among stakeholders.
The workshop objectives include:
• Provide updates on global frameworks, agencies, and partners involved in supporting regional health security.
• Present the current Regional Health Security Pathway, including key public health threats and priorities identified by Member States and agencies.
• Introduce Caribbean-tailored Regional Public Goods (RPGs) for enhancing disease surveillance, early warning systems, laboratory networks, workforce development, and coordination mechanisms.
• Facilitate the development of draft action plans incorporating CARPHA’s RPGs and mechanisms aligned with the RHS pathway.
• Strengthen coordination and collaboration mechanisms among agencies and partners for effective implementation of Caribbean Pandemic Fund grants and other initiatives aimed at improving preparedness, prevention, and response (PPR) capacities across Member States.
This workshop represents a critical step in advancing a unified and resilient regional health security framework that can effectively safeguard Caribbean populations from current and future public health threats.
Minister Anthony praised the collaborative work of CARPHA and CARICOM, noting the Caribbean’s leadership in designing a tiered, digitally integrated One Health-based health security system, responsive to the region’s climate, health, and economic realities.
“Our region is building a model for resilience, rooted in data, grounded in science, and strengthened through cooperation,” he said. “From early warning systems to digital disease surveillance and countering misinformation, the Caribbean is stepping forward as a global example.”
The Minister urged participants and the broader international community to recognize health security as the defining challenge of the century, on par with climate change and geopolitical conflict. He called for:
• Simulation-based training for frontline health workers.
• Innovative investment in technology and foresight.
• Multisectoral partnerships that bridge health, environment, agriculture, and education.
• Ethical use of digital platforms to combat misinformation and build public trust.
“We may not be able to predict the next pandemic, but we can prepare. We can strengthen systems, and above all, we can act in solidarity,” Dr Anthony said.
As the workshop continues in Georgetown, the Minister reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to leading by example and fostering regional unity in health governance. Delegates from across the Caribbean and international institutions will engage in scenario planning, coordination strategies, and knowledge sharing aimed at building a safer, more resilient future for all.
(Credit: Ministry of Health/FB)
