Basseterre, St, Kitts and Nevis, 12 June 2018.
Caribbean governments have identified the strengthening of health care systems and public health infrastructure a regional priority. Executive Director, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr C. James Hospedales explained that these systems are in urgent need of attention and should be better financed. He said “It is for this reason, Sustainable Health Systems for Economic, Growth, Development and Wealth, has been chosen as the theme for the Agency’s 2018 Health Research Conference, which takes place in St. Kitts and Nevis from June 14 -16.
According to the CARPHA Head, health research is a key aspect of the health system capacity that needs to be improved and made more policy-relevant. This is significant because it can assist in addressing critical matters such as improving the effectiveness of regional health systems, and investment needs and opportunities.
“The Region is struggling to grow economically yet we tolerate large preventable losses due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and infectious disease threats. We need more research on costs and benefits, and practical options that improve health and development prospects,” said Dr Hospedales.
Over the course of the three days of the Conference, more than 150 delegates including policy-makers, health and environmental health professionals, researchers, and other public health officials from across the Caribbean region, Latin America, North America and Europe will converge at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. The menu of presentations includes feature lectures on securing investments in non-communicable diseases, global cancer trends to global cancer action, and protecting, promoting and sustaining the public's health.
In addition, 50 posters providing a visual into research findings will be on display. There will also be a panel discussion on Sustainable Health Systems for Economic, Growth, Development and Wealth. Attendees will have access to companies and organisations showcasing their products and services.
The Conference, now in its 63rd year, fosters a research culture among local health and allied health professionals, and build capacity in research grant writing and implementation science and other research skills for health and allied health professionals. The conference will establish mentorships, partnerships and collaborations that would strengthen the capacity of researchers in St. Kitts and Nevis to attract grants and conduct and utilize research.
The conference presents a unique opportunity to host a number of meetings and training events. A series of pre-conference events will include the annual meeting of the Caribbean Chief Medical Officers; a Regional Health Communications Symposium; Data Analysis Using Epi Info™ 7 Training Workshop; Environmental Occupational Health Training; and the launch of the Caribbean Cancer Registry Hub. The Climate and Health Expert Panel Meeting will also take place on the eve of the Conference More information be found at the Conference website
http://conference.carpha.org/