London, United Kingdom. November 7, 2025. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing public health surveillance and response and health security across UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) and the Caribbean region.
The agreement was signed in London on November 6th at the UKHSA headquarters by Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of CARPHA, and Professor Susan Hopkins, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of UKHSA. The renewed MoU builds on years of close collaboration between the two agencies and formalises continued partnership in critical public health areas for the Caribbean including surveillance, emergency preparedness and response, tourism and health, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), laboratory capacity, food, water and vector borne diseases, one health workforce development and noncommunicable diseases.
Describing the signing as a milestone achievement in regional public health cooperation Dr. Indar shared, “This renewed MOU marks the continued strengthening of a crucial partnership that has significantly contributed to building the Caribbean’s capacity to detect, respond to, and prevent public health threats thereby promoting healthier, safer lives for the Caribbean people as well as visitors from the UK and other countries. Together with UKHSA, we are investing in the systems and skills that keep our region safe, protect lives, and ensure that the Caribbean remains resilient in the face of emerging health challenges. This renewal also comes at an opportune time as the UKHSA is providing critical immediate funding to CARPHA to provide public health response to the impact of Melissa on Jamaica”.
The collaboration between CARPHA and UKHSA has already delivered substantial and tangible results. Over the past three years, UKHSA public health technical experts have been seconded to CARPHA, providing vital support in strengthening public health systems across the region. This collaboration has contributed to the development and implementation of the novel mass gathering surveillance systems in Small Island Developing States (SIDS); comprehensive risk assessments; and the advancement of CARPHA’s Regional Tourism and Health Program (THP) and its Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System (CVSS). It has also enhanced surveillance for vector-borne diseases (VBDs), foodborne diseases (FBDs), and Health Information, Communicable Disease and Emergency Response (HCE); supported the Caribbean Regional Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (CR-FELTP) through surveys, assessments, and training module development; promoted behavioural change initiatives for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs); and facilitated the launch and expansion of CARPHA’s new Integrated Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Programme.
Under the Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA), which forms part of CARPHA’s Integrated AMR Programme, the partnership has also advanced laboratory strengthening efforts, establishing regional diagnostic and AMR hubs in Trinidad, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia. These initiatives have enhanced CARPHA’s laboratory and surveillance networks and reinforced emergency response mechanisms, improving the Agency’s capacity to support Member States during public health crises.
“Following years of effective partnership with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), I welcome the
renewal of this MOU between CARPHA and UKHSA. It strengthens our joint work across priority programmes, supports UK commitments to the Overseas Territories, and enhances the diagnostic, surveillance and prevention capabilities of both organisations”
The renewed agreement underscores the strategic importance of the CARPHA–UKHSA partnership in advancing health security, improving disease surveillance, and promoting data-driven public health action across the Caribbean. It also reflects both agencies shared priorities in addressing emerging infectious diseases, tackling antimicrobial resistance, and supporting sustainable, integrated health systems through technical assistance, research collaboration and knowledge exchange.
As the Region continues to confront complex health challenges, including climate-sensitive diseases and global health emergencies, this partnership stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration in building a safer, healthier Caribbean and a more secure world.
About CARPHA:
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is the sole regional public health authority for the Caribbean. It was legally established in July 2011 by an Inter-Governmental Agreement signed by Caribbean Community Member States and began operation in January 2013. CARPHA’s mission is to promote and protect health and wellness in the Caribbean through leadership, partnership, and innovation in public health.
About UKHSA:
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is the national public health body that prevents, prepares for and responds to infectious diseases, and environmental hazards, to protect people and communities in the United Kingdom. UKHSA provides scientific and operational leadership, working with local, national and international partners to protect the public's health and build the nation's health security capability
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