The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is the new single regional public health agency for the Caribbean. The Agency is the Caribbean region’s collective response to strengthening and reorienting our health system approach so that we are equipped to address the changing nature of public health challenges. The strategic priorities for CARPHA include health systems strengthening, safe and healthy environments, healthy living throughout the life course, strategic information for evidenced informed decision making, partnership and resource mobilization and institutional capacity to support service delivery to CARPHA Member States.

During the period July 30-31, 2025 a delegation from the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs which included the Deputy Permanent Secretary - Mr. Ernest Norbal, Chief Medical Officer - Dr. Sharon Belmar-George and Social Planner - Ms. Jackie Joseph-Mills attended the launch of the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan in Georgetown, Guyana.

The 2025-2030 Strategic Plan was launched with the aim of:

• Clearly articulating the agency’s vision, mission, goals, and priorities for the defined strategic period.

• Demonstrating how the plan aligns with regional and international public health agencies.

• Fostering buy-in and support from Member States, International Development Partners and institutions.

• Providing an opportunity for feedback, collaboration and shared ownership of the plan.

The CARPHA Strategic Plan builds on the achievements of the previous period and continues the strengthening towards 2030 which is the target year for the achievement of major health objectives under the Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030).

The CARPHA Strategic Plan 2025-2030 was prepared with the feedback and consultations from all of the key stakeholders including the public health team from the Ministry of Health in Saint Lucia, other CARPHA member states, CARICOM, OECS and International Development Partners (IDPs).

During the meeting, breakout sessions were held to discuss country specific outputs of the strategic priority areas. Arrangements were also discussed for the implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the Strategic Plan.