As part of the Webinar Series on Primary Health Care with a territorial perspective, the fourth meeting was held with the theme: Strengthening Essential Public Health Functions in the Caribbean.
Background
The Essential Public Health Functions (EPHF) provide a comprehensive framework for resilient health systems, outlining 11 essential functions across evaluation, policy development, resource allocation, and access to services. Strengthening areas like health monitoring, emergency preparedness, financing, and workforce development is crucial for effective public health delivery.
The EPHF are integral to the Economic and Health Dialogue of the Americas (EHA), launched in 2022 to enhance coordination between health and economic sectors for pandemic recovery and resilient health systems.
By strengthening the EPHF, Caribbean countries and territories can drive sustainable progress in developing resilient health systems as a foundation for human capital and economic development. This webinar explores how policymakers can capitalize on the EPHF as a catalyst for transforming health systems, enhancing capacities, and promoting sustainable development in the Caribbean region.
Watch the full video here:
Objectives of the webinar
The webinar aims to:
- Discuss the significance of the EPHF in strengthening primary health care-based systems in the Caribbean.
- Explore the role of the EHA initiative in fostering economic and health sector coordination for post COVID-19 recovery.
- Share experiences and lessons from the implementation of EPHF in Caribbean countries.
- Identify strategic actions and investment priorities to enhance public health capacities and resilience.
Target audience
The webinar is designed for policymakers, health and finance ministry representatives, public health professionals, and other stakeholders involved in health system strengthening and economic recovery initiatives in the Caribbean.
Agenda
Webinar Moderator: Gabriel Vivas Francesconi, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, and The Dutch Entities
Welcome and Opening Remarks
- James Fitzgerald, Director, Department of Health Systems and Services, PAHO/WHO.
The Essential Public Health Functions (EPHF) in the Caribbean
- Natalia Houghton, Technical Officer, Primary Health Care Policy, Planning and Evaluation PAHO/WHO.
Panel I: Country Experiences in EPHF Implementation in the Caribbean
Panel Moderator: Gabriel Vivas Francesconi
- Dwight Calixte, Chief Health Planner, Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Saint Lucia.
- Jorge Polanco, Director of Hospital Services & Allied Health, Belize.
- Teri-Ann Joseph, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (Atg.), Ministry of Health, Wellness and Environment, Antigua and Barbuda.
Round of comments
- Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Representative for Bahamas.
- Roberto Bohrt, PAHO/WHO Health Systems and Services Advisor, Belize.
- Amalia Del Riego Abreu, PAHO/WHO Representative for the Eastern Caribbean Countries.
Closing remarks
- Ernesto Báscolo, Unit Chief, Primary Health Care and Integrated Services Delivery, PAHO/WHO.
Learn more about the Webinar series on PHC with a territorial perspective