Caribbean nations showing major gains in mental health, disaster preparedness, says PAHO

Caribbean countries are emerging as key bright spots in the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) 2025 Annual Reports, with major advances in mental health integration, emergency preparedness, and chronic disease management highlighted across the region.

The reports, released by the Pan American Health Organization, detail how countries and territories across the Americas worked with the agency to strengthen health systems through targeted technical cooperation. In the Caribbean, the findings point to steady progress in building more resilient, modern, and equitable healthcare services despite ongoing challenges such as climate-related disasters, workforce pressures, and rising noncommunicable diseases.

PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said the 2025 reports reflect both progress and pressure points for health systems across the region.

“The initiatives presented in these reports not only contribute to protecting the health and well-being of populations, but also support stability, security, and social development in the Americas,” he said, adding that the year underscored both resilience and the importance of regional solidarity in health.

Across the Caribbean, several countries were singled out for notable gains. Belize, Curaçao, and others advanced mental health reform by strengthening national frameworks, expanding community-based services, and training frontline health workers to better respond to psychological and social needs. These efforts reflect a broader shift toward integrating mental health into primary care systems rather than treating it as a standalone service.

At the same time, countries including Barbados, Guyana, and the Cayman Islands made measurable progress in addressing noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular illness. These conditions remain among the leading causes of death in the region, prompting governments to invest more heavily in prevention, early detection, and long-term care.

Emergency preparedness also featured strongly in the report, particularly in light of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands were among the territories that strengthened their readiness for health emergencies, epidemics, and natural disasters through improved response systems and coordination with PAHO.

The report also highlighted Jamaica’s post-disaster response efforts following Hurricane Melissa, which damaged five hospitals and more than 100 primary healthcare facilities. PAHO provided immediate support to help maintain essential health services and stabilize affected systems.

Beyond the Caribbean, the 2025 reports document broader regional efforts to expand access to essential medicines and vaccines, improve digital health systems, and strengthen primary healthcare delivery. Countries across Latin America and the Caribbean also advanced initiatives aimed at eliminating more than 30 priority diseases by 2030, while boosting capacity for epidemic and pandemic response.

A standout milestone in the region was Suriname becoming the first country in the Amazon basin certified malaria-free, underscoring progress toward disease elimination goals. Several other countries, including Uruguay, also advanced national strategies aimed at accelerating elimination targets.

Collectively, PAHO said the 2025 reports serve not only as a record of progress but also as a tool for accountability and knowledge-sharing, capturing lessons that can be adapted across diverse health systems in the Americas.

Founded in 1902, PAHO operates as the world’s oldest international public health agency, with 27 country offices, two specialized centers, and a presence across 35 member states and four associate members. It also serves as the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Americas.