PAHO Highlights Health Achievements in Jamaica and Other Caricom Nations

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has released its 2025 Annual Reports, shining a spotlight on the commendable progress made by several Caribbean Community (Caricom) nations in bolstering their health sectors. Countries such as Barbados, Guyana, Suriname, and Haiti have been singled out for their "key achievements," demonstrating a commitment to improving public health across the region. These reports, which detail the outcomes of technical cooperation between PAHO and national governments, highlight concrete results and impactful initiatives tailored to each country's unique health priorities and context.

Across the region, diverse advancements have been noted. Argentina, Bermuda, Haiti, and Venezuela have successfully strengthened access to essential medicines and vaccines, ensuring more equitable distribution. Meanwhile, Belize, Bolivia, and Curaçao have made strides in integrating mental health services into their broader healthcare systems, employing community-based and rights-based approaches. In a significant development for maternal and child health, The Bahamas, Brazil, and Guatemala have shown progress in reducing maternal mortality rates and enhancing maternal and neonatal care networks.

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The initiatives presented in these reports not only contribute to protecting the health and well-being of populations, but also support stability, security, and social development in the Americas.

Furthermore, Barbados and other Eastern Caribbean nations, alongside Cuba, Guyana, the Cayman Islands, and Mexico, have advanced in managing noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors. Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, and Panama are leading the charge in digital transformation within their health sectors, embracing system interoperability and telehealth for more efficient care. Notably, Suriname has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first country in the Amazon basin to be certified malaria-free, a testament to the region's successful elimination efforts. Jamaica, alongside several other nations, has also strengthened its capacity to respond to emergencies and pandemics, receiving crucial support from PAHO following Hurricane Melissa.

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As we present these annual reports, we reflect on a year that tested our resilience, challenged our health systems, and underscored the importance of Pan-Americanism.