CARPHA commissions mobile insectary facility to advance C’bean fight against mosquito-borne diseases

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) on Wednesday hosted the official opening and commissioning of its Mobile Insectary Facility, marking a major milestone in the region’s fight against mosquito-borne diseases.
The event also signalled the successful close of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme of Support for Health System Strengthening for the Prevention and Control of Outbreaks of Zika and Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases in the Caribbean.
Executive Director of CARPHA, Dr Lisa Indar, hailed the project as “a significant step forward in building resilience against vector-borne diseases.”
“Over the next two days, we will review the project’s achievements, consolidate lessons learnt, and foster regional collaboration,” Dr Indar said. “Through this €4 million initiative, CARPHA has strengthened the health systems of our member states to better prevent, control, and respond to mosquito-borne disease outbreaks,” she said.
Funded by the European Union (EU), the Mobile Insectary represents a new frontier in vector control for the Caribbean. The facility will allow scientists to rear, study, and test mosquitoes to assess insecticide resistance and monitor behavioural changes – critical steps in preventing outbreaks of diseases such as Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. The data collected will strengthen regional strategies for mosquito control and public health preparedness.
As the 11th EDF programme concludes, CARPHA’s Mobile Insectary Facility stands as a tangible symbol of progress, blending science, partnership, and innovation to safeguard the Caribbean’s health.
The initiative is hailed as strengthening the region’s capacity to respond to mosquito-borne diseases but also embodies the collective commitment to building a healthier, more resilient Caribbean for generations to come.
Dr Indar noted that under the six-year project, CARPHA conducted 15,879 antiviral tests, trained health professionals across 12 member states, and provided critical support in diagnostic testing, vector management, insecticide testing, and GIS-based surveillance. The project, she said, has built a foundation for evidence-based decision-making and improved vector control operations throughout the region.
Doreen Walsweer-Sore, representing the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), commended CARPHA and the EU for their leadership and collaboration, describing the programme as “a flagship initiative of solidarity, partnership, and scientific excellence.”
“This initiative was born out of urgency and shared purpose in 2016 when the Zika epidemic threatened lives and livelihoods across the Caribbean,” she said.
“It stands as a testament to the power of cooperation and the tangible results we achieve when we act together.”
She highlighted that the programme supported 15 countries in integrated vector management, trained nine in advanced diagnostic testing, and promoted public education campaigns to raise community awareness. She emphasised that the lessons learnt align closely with the Samoa Agreement, underscoring the shared commitment to resilience, technology-driven surveillance, and preparedness in the face of climate-related health challenges.
Representing the European Union, Ambassador Cecile Tassin praised the collaboration with CARPHA as a model of international partnership.
“This partnership has enhanced laboratory testing capacity and improved surveillance across CARPHA member states,” Ambassador Tassin said. “Capacity building and insecticide training have been key features of this programme and will continue to inform evidence-based strategies to reduce the harm caused by mosquitoes. The European Union takes pride in this collaboration and looks forward to continuing our partnership in the years ahead.”
Dr Lackram Bodoe, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Health, also underscored the importance of sustained regional collaboration.
“Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases are a significant threat to health security,” he said. “We are united by a common purpose – to safeguard the health and well-being of our people by reducing the burden of these diseases.”