A delegation from Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs attended the official launch of the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA) 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, held in Georgetown, Guyana from July 30 to 31, 2025.
Representing Saint Lucia were Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Ernest Norbal, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, and Social Planner Ms. Jackie Joseph-Mills. The team joined health representatives from across the region to engage in discussions and consultations on the way forward for regional public health.
CARPHA, the Caribbean’s sole regional public health agency, plays a central role in addressing evolving public health challenges. The newly launched strategic plan outlines the agency’s vision and priorities for the next five years, with a focus on key areas such as health systems strengthening, safe and healthy environments, healthy living throughout the life course, evidence-informed decision-making, partnership and resource mobilization, and enhancing institutional capacity across member states.
The two-day launch served multiple purposes: articulating CARPHA’s updated vision and goals; aligning the agency’s priorities with regional and international public health frameworks; encouraging support and buy-in from Member States and development partners; and promoting shared ownership of the plan through feedback and collaboration.
Breakout sessions during the meeting allowed participating countries to discuss specific outputs and responsibilities within the strategic framework. Implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting mechanisms were also explored to ensure the plan’s success over the next five years.
Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Health noted that the launch comes at a critical time, as the island is currently developing its own National Strategic Plan for Health. The regional initiative offers an opportunity for alignment and collaboration, enhancing Saint Lucia’s ability to meet its health goals under the global Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030).
The CARPHA Strategic Plan 2025–2030 was developed following extensive consultations with stakeholders, including member states, CARICOM, the OECS, and International Development Partners (IDPs).