Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has become the first OECS Member State to adopt the Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), marking an important milestone in strengthening health security across the sub-region.
According to a Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) press release, the achievement followed a technical mission conducted in SVG from June 22–30, 2026, under the World Bank-financed OECS Regional Health Project, in partnership with CARPHA.
CARPHA, the region’s sole public health institution, said RIEWSS is a Caribbean-tailored digital platform that brings together human, animal, environmental and laboratory information to improve the early detection and response to public health threats.
The rollout is particularly timely, coming ahead of SVG Carnival 2026 and the 2026 Caribbean Premier League. CARPHA noted that major gatherings attract visitors and generate economic activity while also creating heightened public health risks.
During the mission, national officials were trained on RIEWSS, which was configured nationally with authorised user accounts to access available digital data for the timely detection, reporting and sharing of public health events.
The mission also saw the launch and pilot of Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System (CVSS 2.0), strengthening surveillance at ports of entry. CARPHA also field-tested electronic entomological data collection through its DHIS2 Entomology Module, aimed at improving the quality and timeliness of vector-borne disease surveillance.
Health personnel received training through the Mass Gathering Surveillance System, which has been expanded to support Carnival and other major events.
A Caribbean-tailored Tingua simulation exercise also tested multisectoral preparedness, bringing together human, animal and environmental health professionals and emergency management personnel to respond to concurrent public health scenarios.
The mission concluded with two high-level debriefings led by CARPHA Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar, attended by senior government officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister with responsibility for National Security, the Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Energy, Permanent Secretaries from Health, Security and Tourism, the Chief Medical Officer and technical personnel.
Indar said SVG’s commitment to institutionalising RIEWSS “sets a precedent for Regional Health Security” and reflects CARPHA’s focus on building resilient systems.
CARPHA said SVG’s experience provides a pathway for other OECS Member States, with continued technical assistance planned to sustain and expand the systems and strengthen regional health resilience.
