CARPHA sets up lab in Kingston

Kingston, Jamaica, has marked a significant milestone in regional health security with the official opening of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Regional Reference Laboratory. Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, hailed the facility as crucial for the Caribbean's collective capacity to address pressing health challenges.

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a milestone for us …and for the Caribbean as a collective capacity to respond to these health challenges that we face

"This laboratory reinforces regional health security, while strengthening the global response to emerging health threats," Dr. Tufton stated during the opening ceremony at CARPHA's Hope Gardens office. He emphasized the strategic importance of diversifying health response capabilities across different geographic locations, underscoring the value of partnerships with regional bodies like CARPHA.

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The partnership with CARPHA… as a regional body, is very important. The extent to which we're diversifying to ensure that we have the flexibility to go from one geographic location to another is critical from our strategic planning standpoint and from a health security standpoint.

The establishment of the laboratory is a collaborative achievement, with significant contributions from the United Kingdom, including support from the UK Health Security Agency and the Fleming Fund. Dr. Tufton expressed "full appreciation" for CARPHA's leadership under Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar, and thanked the UK partners for providing essential resources, guidance, and technical support.

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I want to express full appreciation to the Caribbean Public Health Agency for their leadership, the United Kingdom for their participation in strengthening this partnership, making it possible; the UK Health Security Agency and the Fleming Fund, which brought the important resources, guidance and technical support necessary to make this possible.

The new facility will serve as a regional hub for advanced testing, surveillance, and technical assistance. Its primary goal is to bolster the Caribbean's ability to identify and combat drug-resistant infections, thereby supporting evidence-based public health decisions across CARPHA member states. This initiative aligns with Jamaica's commitment to regional integration and global health security, reinforcing the "One Health" approach to managing health threats.

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We remain committed to strengthening antimicrobial stewardship across our health system and ensuring that this One Health response is maintained and strengthened. It is in keeping with our commitment to regional integration, to regional health security and, indeed, to ensure that we play our part in terms of global health security.