By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News|
Guyana is set to welcome health experts, researchers, and policymakers from across the Caribbean as it prepares to host the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA) 70th Annual Health Research Conference in April 2026. The landmark event is expected to spotlight regional achievements while shaping the next era of health innovation in the Caribbean.
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said the government is honoured to host such a significant gathering, which will be held under the theme “Health and Innovations.” He noted that the conference aligns with Guyana’s rapidly advancing health sector and its commitment to integrating technology into public health delivery.
“We also believe in the future and where health is going and the new things that are emerging,” Dr. Anthony stated. “We thought that this conference would help to showcase some of those things.”
The minister highlighted Guyana’s ongoing push to blend traditional health practices with advanced digital tools as countries confront evolving healthcare demands. He emphasized the importance of shared learning across the region, noting that Guyana’s experiences could help neighbouring nations navigate similar challenges.
Dr. Anthony also pointed to major national advancements, including the introduction of digital health records and the expansion of the country’s telemedicine network. “We have one of the most extensive telemedicine networks—not just in the Caribbean, but one of the most extensive in the world,” he said. By the time the conference begins, Guyana expects to have further progressed with rolling out digital systems at its main hospital and other facilities.
CARPHA’s Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Indar, described the upcoming event as a historic milestone that reflects decades of resilience and innovation in Caribbean public health. She commended Guyana for demonstrating “exemplary leadership in health and innovation,” positioning it as the ideal host for the 2026 conference.
“This is more than just a conference,” Dr. Indar said. “It’s a legacy—a momentous event set to take place in Guyana in April.” She reflected on the region’s early struggles in 1956 when the first conference was held, recalling overwhelming health challenges and scarce resources. Despite these hurdles, Caribbean researchers persevered, laying the foundation for a united regional response to public health issues.
The 2026 conference will showcase advancements such as Guyana’s breakthroughs in malaria technologies, the strengthening of surveillance systems, and other innovations across the region aimed at preparing Caribbean states for future public health threats.
The event is expected to bolster Guyana’s role as a leader in health innovation and elevate regional collaboration at a time when shared expertise is more important than ever.
