O-08 Establishing regional antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in the Caribbean supported by Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA)
Author(s):
A Harrison, N Oudit, H Higgins, S Foulkes, P Manley, G Gonzalez-Escobar, M Elsherbiny, N Wright, L Indar
Year of Presentation:
2026
Objective: To develop a coordinated regional antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance framework for the Caribbean, addressing gaps in laboratory capacity and fragmented reporting that limit timely detection of resistance patterns and evidence-based antimicrobial stewardship.
Methods: The Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA), a partnership coordinated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) with technical support from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), was established in October 2024. Building on prior CARPHA investments in reference laboratory capacity and workforce development, the current phase used evidence-informed design and structured engagement with pilot Member States to specify a regional AMR surveillance framework. Activities included defining surveillance scope, selecting a surveillance model, establishing a minimum dataset, and developing supporting operational guidance.
Results: The alliance produced a regional surveillance framework comprising a defined scope, surveillance model, minimum dataset, and operational guidance. CARA strengthened existing AMR surveillance efforts in the Caribbean by providing a standardised, coordinated framework to enhance national systems and improve regional comparability. This framework is currently being piloted and refined with participating Member States.
Conclusion: The defined minimum dataset and operational guidance, developed with direct Member State input, offer a regionally tailored and scalable foundation to build on current initiatives and support sustainable AMR monitoring.