OECS Regional Health Project Newsletter Vol. 1 - March 2023

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within the Caribbean are particularly vulnerable to threats posed by climate change. From rising sea levels, hurricanes and floods to increased temperatures and intensity of changing weather patterns; it is important for Small Island Developing States to protect themselves from the devastating impact of disasters and emergencies. In the advent of health emergencies such as that of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially critical for states to have appropriate policy measures and preparedness and response systems implemented to alleviate the impact that these threats pose. As part of its effort to strengthen health security, the Organisation of Eastern  Caribbean States (OECS) Regional Health Project aims to build resilience and mitigate cross-border transmission of disease outbreaks and disruptions in the aftermath of extreme weather events and climate change impacts. This project is responsive to the needs of CARPHA Member States (CMS), specifically the
Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is expected to enhance each country’s capacity to adapt and mitigate climate change and is expected to have added benefits across the OECS Region.