BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The three-day Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) health research conference aimed at addressing pressing health challenges and seek actionable solutions gets underway here on Wednesday.
The 69th CARPHA Health Research Conference will be held under the theme “Mental Health: The Hidden Pandemic” and the organizers said it will present focused sessions on mental health, non-communicable diseases, family health, as well as infectious diseases, and nutrition.
“Last year, in St. Lucia the conference drew 300 attendees, and this year an estimated 400 attendees is anticipated. This reflects the growing interest in the conference which aims to address pressing health challenges and seek actionable solutions.
“The combination of side meetings, oral and poster presentations, networking sessions and dialogue underscores the importance of public health research to the Caribbean,” said CARPHA’s executive director, Dr. Lisa Indar.
The conference, which is being hosted in collaboration with the Barbados Ministry of Health and Wellness, will also feature a panel discussion titled Breaking the Stigma: Advancing Mental Health Care for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults in the Caribbean.
It will explore urgent strategies for improving the detection and treatment of mental health issues among children, adolescents, and young adults in the Caribbean. Panelists will examine the cultural stigmas, systemic gaps, and resource limitations that hinder early diagnosis and access to care.
In addition to a special session on Pandemic Fund and Infectious Diseases, the conference will present focused sessions on non-communicable diseases, family health, mental health, vector borne diseases, and nutrition.
Local, regional and international companies and organizations will display their products and services, innovations and programs.
A total of 87 oral papers and 86 poster presentations will highlight research findings from students, academics and health professional from the region.
