The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have renewed their partnership through a new five-year agreement aimed at strengthening community health, emergency preparedness and climate resilience across the Car.
Signed on July 2, 2026, the agreement establishes a framework for continued collaboration between the region’s leading public health agency and the world’s largest humanitarian network. CARPHA said the partnership combines the expertise of both organizations to address some of the Caribbean’s most pressing public health challenges.
CARPHA shared in a press release that the renewed collaboration will support community-based initiatives focused on vector-borne diseases, non-communicable diseases, including mental health, food and nutrition security, and strengthening resilience to climate change, natural disasters, outbreaks and epidemics. The organizations also plan to work together through coordinated action, knowledge sharing and resource mobilization.
Commenting on the renewed partnership, CARPHA Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar said the agreement will enhance regional public health efforts.
“This collaboration with the IFRC combines CARPHA’s regional public health expertise with the extensive community reach and humanitarian experience of the Red Cross Red Crescent network. Together, we will strengthen community resilience, enhance preparedness for health emergencies, and support sustainable, people-centred approaches to health across our Member States”.
The memorandum of understanding also creates opportunities for both organizations to exchange technical expertise, data, tools, training programmes and best practices in community-based public health. According to CARPHA, this collaboration is expected to strengthen the region’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities while supporting evidence-based programme development.
Necephor Mghendi, Head of the IFRC Country Cluster Delegation for the Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean, said the growing challenges facing the region require stronger partnerships.
“The challenges facing the Caribbean are increasingly complex and interconnected, requiring partnerships that bridge regional expertise and community action. This collaboration is about shared impact. Through its network of National Societies and volunteers, the IFRC brings the vital last-mile connection that enables information, services, and support to reach the people who need them most, where they need them and when they need them. Together with CARPHA, we can help ensure that communities across the region are better informed, better connected, and better equipped to address current and emerging health challenges”.
CARPHA said the agreement outlines several priority areas for cooperation, including the development and implementation of community-based interventions targeting vector-borne diseases, non-communicable diseases, food and nutrition security, and community resilience. The organizations will also collaborate on public health preparedness, emergency response and community health programming, while jointly monitoring and evaluating initiatives to ensure their effectiveness and long-term impact.
The agreement also provides for capacity-building opportunities, including internships and professional development programmes for young public health professionals.
As per the press release, the renewed partnership comes at a time when Caribbean countries continue to face increasing threats from vector-borne diseases, chronic illnesses, food insecurity, climate change and natural hazards. CARPHA said the agreement reinforces both organizations’ commitment to strengthening local capacity, empowering communities and advancing sustainable solutions that support a healthier, safer and more resilient Caribbean.
