Caribbean AMR Surveillance
In the Caribbean, efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have been constrained by challenges in setting up effective surveillance systems, ensuring timely diagnosis, and providing access to quality antimicrobials.
This project aims to strengthen capacity and capability in ODA-eligible Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States (CMS) in reporting AMR and antimicrobial use (AMU), support development of AMR National Action Plan (NAP), and strengthen regional reference capability for the benefit of ODA-eligible Member States.
Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in partnership with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)
1 Year 4 Months (December 2024 – March 2026)
Up to £11m
ODA-eligible Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States (CMS) - Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint. Lucia, Montserrat, Saint. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname.
Objectives
- Strengthen laboratory infrastructure and workforce for the detection and surveillance of AMR.
- Support completion of National Action Plans through catalytic investment in national and regional surveillance systems.
- Increase reporting from the region to global AMR data repositories such as GLASS and use of AMR data to inform changes in policy, regulatory and clinical practice.
Activities
- In Phase 1, to the end of March 2025, PAHO and UKHSA will primarily focus on procurement, installation, and training in relation to laboratory equipment for diagnosis, detection and characterisation of drug-resistant infections.
- In Phase 2, from April 2025 to March 2026, PAHO will expand the scope of activities to include training in whole genome sequencing and to develop digital tools for AMR data, lab-based stewardship, and an AMR emergency response team. PAHO will also support the Barbados Best-dos Santos laboratory to establish an External Quality Assurance programme
- UKHSA will partner with CARPHA to establish the Caribbean AMR Alliance, primarily through the Regional Reference role of CARPHA’s Microbiology Laboratory in Trinidad and Tobago and developing the sub-regional reference function of CARPHA’s Laboratories in Jamaica and St Lucia, as well as development of integrated AMR surveillance system.