“Our health systems remain vulnerable to hurricanes and floods. These events remind us of the urgent need for resilient health systems and integrated disaster response strategies. The evolving economic landscape has added another layer of complexity. Diseases carry profound financial consequences, resulting in losses due to reduced productivity and rising healthcare costs. Such realities highlight that health is not just a social priority; it is an economic imperative.”
Hon. Philip Telesford, Minister of Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs, Grenada
Hon. Philip Telesford, Minister of Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs, Grenada chaired the Fiftieth Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) – Health, held on 26–27 September in Washington, D.C. In his address, Minister Telesford reflected on key regional milestones achieved during his tenure, including CARICOM’s endorsement of the Pandemic Agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly, the launch of the PAHO-CARICOM Joint Subregional Cooperation Strategy, and the signing of the CARICOM-HEDPAC Memorandum of Understanding. He also highlighted progress in combating antimicrobial resistance and the establishment of a Technical Working Group to address crime and violence as a public health issue.
Minister Telesford emphasised the importance of resilient health systems in the face of climate and economic challenges, reaffirming health as both a social and economic priority. He acknowledged the strength of regional partnerships and expressed gratitude to fellow Ministers, health officials, and delegates for their support.
Please read his complete remarks below.
Salutations.
It is both a privilege and a profound honour to welcome you to the 50th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development – Health. This milestone invites us to pause and reflect on the journey we have travelled together since our last COHSOD, on advancing the health, well-being, and resilience of the Caribbean Community.
During my tenure as Chair of COHSOD, CARICOM has marked significant achievements. Notably, Member States continued their active participation in negotiations of the Pandemic Agreement and collectively endorsed the Pandemic Agreement in May 2025 at the 78th World Health Assembly. It was my honour to deliver our collective statement on behalf of the Region.
We also saw the development and launch of the PAHO-CARICOM Joint Subregional Cooperation Strategy in July 2025. This landmark initiative strengthens our collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization, providing a coordinated framework for technical cooperation, capacity building, and shared regional priorities to ensure that our Member States can respond collectively to emerging health challenges.
We also signed the CARICOM-HEDPAC Memorandum of Understanding in January 2025, building on the solid foundation of work accomplished in the previous year. I urge all Member States to support the implementation.
In addition, the Caribbean has made important strides in addressing antimicrobial resistance through the launch of projects supported by the Fleming Fund. These initiatives, coordinated by CARPHA and PAHO and implemented in Member States, are helping our countries to strengthen laboratory capacity, improve surveillance systems, and implement targeted interventions that safeguard both human and animal health.
In response to the mandate from Heads to address crime and supported at the last COHSOD-Health, we established a Technical Working Group to begin the development of a strategic plan to address crime and violence as a public health issue.
Our partnerships have also been highlighted through CARICOM’s collaboration with CARPHA, the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, and PAHO in hosting a high-level side event alongside the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs, celebrating 18 years of regional progress since the 2007, Port of Spain Declaration.
These efforts underscore our determination to lead by example, both within the Region and on the global stage.
Our journey has not been without its challenges. Our health systems remain vulnerable to hurricanes and floods. These events remind us of the urgent need for resilient health systems and integrated disaster response strategies. The evolving economic landscape has added another layer of complexity. Diseases carry profound financial consequences, resulting in losses due to reduced productivity and rising healthcare costs. Such realities highlight that health is not just a social priority; it is an economic imperative.
As we mark this 50th meeting, let us reaffirm our shared responsibility to place the health and well-being of our people at the centre of our work. This Meeting is an opportunity to engage meaningfully, exchange ideas, and strengthen the partnerships that have always been CARICOM’s greatest asset.
To my colleague Ministers, CARICOM Secretariat, Senior Health Officials, and delegates present, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your support during my tenure. Your dedication, expertise, and collaboration are the lifeblood of our work.
I urge us to engage fully in the discussions ahead, lend our knowledge and insight generously, and remain committed to the shared goal of a healthier, more resilient Caribbean Community.
In closing, I wish to welcome the incoming Chair, the Hon. Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health of Guyana. Minister Anthony, you take the helm at a pivotal moment, and we pledge our full support and cooperation. Together, under your leadership, we will continue to tackle the pressing health challenges before us with determination, innovation, and solidarity.
