The Fund assists countries and regions in strengthening their health systems and increasing their investments, enabling them to prevent, prepare, and respond effectively to health threats.

A Saint Lucian health delegation met with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad to discuss the Pandemic Fund on the regional front. From August 5th to 7th, 2024, the event focused on “Reducing the Public Health Impact of Pandemics in the Caribbean through Prevention, Preparedness, and Response.”

“The Pandemic Fund's first call for proposals provides additional financing to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response capabilities and to address critical gaps in countries through investments and technical support. It is expected to support and reinforce the capacity building and implementation and other frameworks consistent with the One Health approach,” explained Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George.

CARPHA’s regional entity proposal was successfully selected in July of 2023 with CARPHA as the Executing Agency and the Inter -American Development Bank as the Implementing Entity.

Saint Lucia, as a member of CARPHA, will serve to support the organisation in reducing the public health impacts in the Caribbean region.

CMO Belmar-George underscored the importance of evidence-based data collection in the public health sector in the region. This, she says, will aid in accurate policy-making.

“It's important that we get accurate, reliable, timely, and relevant public health information to ensure that the decisions are made using evidence-based data,” she explained.

The Pandemic Fund also serves as an advocacy platform and enhances coordination among partners, fostering collaborative efforts to address global health challenges and build a healthier, safer, more resilient world.