PAHO and CARPHA sign landmark 2026-2030 framework agreement to strengthen regional health collaboration

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 13 February 2026.- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) formalised their continued partnership with the signing of the 2026-2030 Framework Agreement, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing public health priorities across the Caribbean.  

Photo Caption: (L-R) Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas Assistant Director of the Pan American Health Organization witnesses the signing of the Framework Agreement by Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director

The Agreement provides an operational framework to support a unified regional vision for health, strengthening coordination and collaboration at a time when Caribbean countries face growing and complex health challenges, and where resources are limited but public health needs remain significant. 

Photo Caption: (L-R) Dr. Horace Cox, CARPHA Director watches on as Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director signs the Framework Agreement

Covering the period 2026-2030, the Agreement positions both agencies to work more strategically to deliver results under the PAHO-CARICOM Joint Subregional Cooperation Strategy, supporting Member States in strengthening health systems, improving preparedness, and advancing population health outcomes. The Agreement marks the continuation of a long-standing and trusted partnership between PAHO and CARPHA: grounded in shared responsibility, mutual accountability, and a common goal of improving health and well-being for the people of the Region. 

Delivering welcome remarks at the virtual signing ceremony, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization said: "This Agreement enables PAHO and CARPHA to jointly develop regional strategies and plans of action, implement health programmes aligned with our Strategic Plans and Programme Budgets, and provide technical cooperation that is responsive to country needs. It also establishes a clear framework for subsidiary agreements, ensuring transparency, accountability, and results-based implementation". 

Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director, CARPHA pointed out, "Caribbean countries rightly expect that the limited resources available for technical cooperation are used efficiently, effectively, and strategically to achieve the greatest possible impact for our Caribbean citizens". Dr Indar added, "This can only be achieved through stronger collaboration, streamlined implementation, reduced duplication and a lighter operational burden on our Member States".  

PAHO has supported CARPHA in multiple priority areas including the Caribbean Regulatory System; laboratory strengthening; climate resilience and environmental health; non-communicable diseases, risk communication and community engagement; and emergency preparedness and response, including foodborne disease preparedness.  

CARPHA and PAHO both look forward to deepening collaborations over the next five years and translating this Framework Agreement into measurable improvements in health outcomes for the people of the Caribbean. 

About PAHO/WHO

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world's oldest international public health agency. It serves as the Regional Office of WHO for the Americas and is the specialised health agency of the Inter-American system (OAS).

About CARPHA

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is the lead regional public health agency for the Caribbean. CARPHA provides strategic direction, coordinates public health responses, and delivers laboratory, surveillance, and technical services to its Member States to prevent disease, promote and protect health, and respond to public health emergencies. 

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