At the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting (UNGA-HLM) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in New York, governments signed a Political Declaration setting the agenda for global action to tackle the growing threat and work towards healthcare equity.
Fleming Fund projects launched to strengthen the Caribbean’s efforts to combat AMR
Two landmark projects aimed at strengthening the Caribbean’s capacity to fight antimicrobial resistance (AMR) were launched on 5 May, at an event in Barbados with regional and international health leaders in attendance.
Funded by the Fleming Fund and implemented through strategic partnerships between the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the initiative aims to strengthen the region’s diagnostic infrastructure, surveillance systems, and policy coordination in response to the growing AMR crisis. Uneven access to antibiotics, limited laboratory and logistics infrastructure, together contribute to an increased risk to AMR in the region. This funding is currently committed until end March 2026.
(From left to right) Mr. Mohamed Elsherbiny, CARPHA, Mr. Marcelo Galas, PAHO, Dr. Lisa Indar, CARPHA, Dr. Natalie Wright, UKHSA, Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, PAHO, Dr Pilar Ramon-Pardo, PAHO , Dr Colin Brown, UKHSA , Dr. Gabriel Gonzalez Escobar, CARPHA
The collaboration between UKHSA and CARPHA, supported by the Fleming Fund, is a powerful testament to our shared commitment to tackling this crisis head-on. By enhancing lab capabilities, improving surveillance, and building workforce expertise, we are taking decisive steps to protect the health of Caribbean communities and beyond. Together, we can make a lasting impact in the fight against AMR.
Speaking in support of the launch, Professor Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance
Two Pillars of the Regional Response
One of the projects, Strengthening Antimicrobial Resistance Response in the Caribbean, led by PAHO, will upgrade microbiology laboratories in ten countries—including Belize, Jamaica, Guyana, and Suriname—and enhance capacity at the Best-dos-Santos Public Health Laboratory in Barbados.
AMR remains a top priority for PAHO. We are actively working with an organization-wide approach on several important initiatives in this area, from surveillance to infection prevention and control, water and sanitation, food safety, access to and the appropriate use of antimicrobials and supporting our Member States in the implementation AMR National Action Plans under a One Health approach.
Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, Assistant Director of the Pan American Health Organization noted the strong history of collaboration to address pressing public health challenges
The second initiative, the Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA), is a joint project between CARPHA and UKHSA. CARA forms a vital component of CARPHA’s wider AMR programme, which aims to strengthen its regional laboratory network, expand diagnostic capabilities, and improve the collection and use of AMR data across the region. The project will expand reference laboratory services in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia, while a digital regional-wide surveillance system is also planned.
Through CARA, we are strengthening our laboratory systems, expanding regional surveillance, and building a coordinated One Health approach to ensure that Caribbean countries are better equipped to detect, monitor, and respond to resistant infections, This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding public health and securing the effectiveness of life-saving treatments for future generations
Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of CARPHA
AMR is an urgent global public health and development threat, affecting all countries and regions. Sustained action is required to curb inappropriate use of antibiotics, the main driver of AMR. “Through this programme our goal is to build sustainable systems that promote data sharing, support clinical decision-making, and create lasting resilience to the threat of AMR. The work we do today will lay the foundation for a healthier, more secure future.
Dr Natalie Wright, Head of UK Overseas Territories Programme and CARA project lead at UKHSA
Demonstrating collaboration in action, PAHO, CARPHA and UKHSA held a joint AMR diagnostic training workshop from 12-16 May with all CARPHA Member States, combining support from the Fleming Fund and wider Pandemic Fund projects.
A United Front Against a Shared Threat
This coordinated effort, bridging national and regional efforts, marks a significant step for a unified commitment to the AMR response in the Caribbean. By combining technical expertise and laboratory infrastructure the CARPHA, PAHO, and UKHSA alliance is laying the groundwork for ensuring responsible antimicrobial use and building long-term resilience against future infectious threats in the region.
Global Commitment, Local Action
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious and complex health challenges facing our world. The government is combating AMR through the Fleming Fund and advancing our national action plan, development models and surveillance systems. Our partnerships with the Caribbean Public Health Agency and Pan American Health Organisation are a vital for safeguarding public health and ensuring the effectiveness of life-saving treatments for future generations
Ashley Dalton, Minister of State for Public Health and Prevention (UK Department of Health and Social Care)
Bringing remarks on behalf of the Prime Minister of Barbados, H. E. Mia Amor Mottley, who chairs the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, Chief Medical Officer of Barbados, Dr Kenneth George thanked the Fleming Fund Project for supporting national and regional efforts on AMR.
Barbados has made strides in AMR Surveillance working towards full reporting to the Quadripartite Global Integrated System for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use. As some of you may be aware of the WHO/PAHO Designation of the Best-Dos Santos Public Health Laboratory as a Regional Influenza Centre, reflecting our commitment to global health standards and enhancing our capacity to respond to infectious diseases. In the next few months, we will be working with PAHO to have a similar type of designation on AMR to ensure the Best Dos Santos Public Health Laboratory can indeed be a leader in AMR within the region.
Chief Medical Officer of Barbados, Dr Kenneth George
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A plaque on the side of the Saint Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, UK, commemorates the discovery of penicillin, the first antibiotic, in 1928. Fungal spores, blown by the wind, landed on Sir Alexander Fleming's Petri dishes killing the bacteria he was growing leading to a revolution in medicine.