CARICOM Leaders will meet in The Bahamas from Wednesday for their intercessional meeting, which will examine a number of critical issues, including health security and issues related to climate change.

According to a statement from CARICOM, the need for continued vigilance against COVID-19 and the recent threat of Monkey Pox are among the critical issues that will be discussed.

Challenges to health system resilience, regional health security, Climate Change and routine vaccinations will also form part of the discussions between the Heads of Government.

Assistant CARICOM Secretary General, Alison Drayton explained that Heads of Government will also receive updates on the recent challenges experienced by the Region regarding health system resilience, regional health security, as well as protecting the Region’s reputation as a relatively disease-free tourism destination.

“A CARPHA report on this agenda item will be presented to Heads of Government,” stated the ASG, “this will illustrate the role of the new Regional Health Security Agenda, as well as measures taken to mitigate health threats and climate change challenges. These are among the issues which threaten to disrupt our Region’s pursuit of resilient health systems and regional health security”.

Ms. Drayton indicated that she expects robust discussion on this item and support for the proposed recommendations from CARPHA, which urged Member States to remain vigilant, continue active surveillance and promote the use of established prevention and control guidelines to curb the further spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

The CARICOM Secretariat is hoping for an agreement to be reached on proactive health measures, particularly on returning to routine vaccinations to ensure a safer and healthier Caribbean as well the robust recovery of our tourism industry and sustainability of our Caribbean economies.

Issues related to the situation in Haiti and the region’s economic prospects will also be discussed.

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