Mental health a growing public health issue – CARPHA

Mental health is a growing public health issue. In the Caribbean in particular, mental health is influenced by a range of socio-economic factors, cultural attitudes, and the availability of mental health services.
Socio-economic factors, such as poverty and unemployment contribute significantly to stress, anxiety and depression while natural disasters, epidemics/pandemics can also lead to trauma, displacement, and long-lasting psychological effects.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), in collaboration with the Government of Barbados, through the Ministry of Health and Wellness will host the 69th Health Research Conference from 7- 9 May 2025. The three-day conference, which gives delegates a platform to network, share research and insights, will take place at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St Michael, Barbados.

The conference is the Caribbean Region’s premier gathering of health research professionals. Over 200 participants will benefit from more than 160 oral and poster presentations, as well as concurrent sessions. At the conclusion of the conference, health researchers will be recognised for their outstanding contributions to public health in the region.
Dr Lisa Indar, Executive Director of CARPHA, speaking at the media launch for the 69th Health Research Conference, stated, “Mental health touches each and every one of us whether personally, through our loved ones or within our communities. It impacts how people relate to others, make decisions, and handle stress. People’s ability to live fulfilling lives often depends on their mental health. This makes protecting and restoring mental health of immediate concern to public health professionals with increasing impact, and especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In his opening remarks, Dr Kenneth George, Chief Medical Officer of Barbados underscored the role of CARPHA in public health research.
“CARPHA has been instrumental in supporting scientific and public health research for several decades. Through rigorous data analysis, research and dissemination of information, CARPHA continues to shape the health policy agenda not only within our region but on the international stage as well. In addition to the research agenda CARPHA is central to the provision of technical assistance to the 26 Member States of the region in the areas including surveillance, epidemiology, port health, vector control, non-communicable diseases (NCD), and reference laboratory services.”
Mr Wayne Marshall, Barbados’ Permanent Secretary, delivering his address on behalf of Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator the Honourable Jerome Walcott stated, “The Government of Barbados last hosted this prestigious Conference in 2013, and we are thrilled to once again bring together a diverse group of health professionals, researchers, and policymakers from across the region and the globe. This collaboration with CARPHA ensures that the 2025 Annual Health Research Conference and its pre-conference events, including meetings and training workshops, will be a platform for sharing groundbreaking research and clinical findings that can significantly influence public health policies.
Mr Marshall expressed gratitude to CARPHA, sponsors, and all the participants who will make this Conference a resounding success. In closing he urged all to work together to elevate the discourse on mental health and other critical public health issues, fostering a healthier future for all.
The Conference will be attended by Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), researchers, physicians, nurses, psychologists, environmental health officers and other public health officials from across the Caribbean Region, Latin America, North America, and Europe.
Local, regional and international organisations and companies will be exhibiting and presenting their programmes, innovations, products and services.
Meetings and training workshops leading up to the conference include, Meeting of the CARICOM CMOs; Pandemic Fund and Antimicrobial Resistance forum for the CMOs and partners; Monitoring and Evaluation Workshop; Meetings of the Caribbean Vector Borne Disease Network, and Meeting of the Regional Health Communication Network