O-07 Expanding laboratory capacity in the Caribbean: innovative hub-and-network model for One Health diagnostics, AMR surveillance, and optimised sample transport
Author(s):
G González-Escobar, M Elsherbiny, H Cox, M Sami, L Indar
Year of Presentation:
2026
Objective: The Caribbean’s archipelagic geography and heterogeneous laboratory capacity have historically constrained timely diagnostics and surveillance. CARPHA has adopted an innovative hub-and-network model across CMML (Trinidad & Tobago), EHSD (Saint Lucia), and MQCSD (Jamaica) to expand laboratory capacity, strengthen One Health testing and AMR surveillance, and optimise specimen logistics.
Methods: CARPHA’s laboratory expansion programme combines technical upgrades (MALDI TOF, phenotypic AST including MIC, and phased WGS) with process innovations (unified referral form, planned digitalisation of forms/ reports) and logistics enhancements (use of the Regional Security System and airline collaborations under IATA standards). Governance alignment is achieved through the Caribbean Public Health Laboratory Network (CariPHLN); in parallel, the Integrated AMR Programme, co-developed with PAHO and UKHSA under the Pandemic Fund and UK Fleming Fund, supports AMR-specific capacity strenghtening, data integration, and stewardship.
Results: Across the three hubs, more than 45,000 tests were completed in 2023–2024, with marked increases from geographically distant Member States following hub designation. Enhanced specimen transport was demonstrated by the movement of over 60,000 specimens via the Regional Security System since 2020, complemented by newly established, structured IATA compliant airline routes for routine shipments, improving timeliness and predictability of delivery. The unified referral form was piloted region wide; digitalisation scheduled for 2026. Expanded test menus and hub-aligned routing schemas reduced diagnostic delays and improved equity of access.
Conclusion: CARPHA’s expansion of laboratory capacityanchored in reginal hubs, enhanced specimen transport, and digital transformation-has demonstrably improved turnaround time, goegraphic coverage, and AMR readiness, and provides a scalable model for small island regions aligned with IHR (2005) and GHSA expectations.