ORANJESTAD, Aruba--Public health leaders and technical experts from across the Dutch Caribbean gathered in Aruba in early June for the 2026 Dutch Caribbean Public Health Expertise Network, DuCaPHEN, Conference, where regional cooperation, shared health priorities and stronger coordination among small island states took center stage.
The annual conference, organized through collaboration between the six Dutch Caribbean islands and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands, RIVM, serves as an important platform for knowledge exchange, partnership-building and coordinated action across the Dutch Caribbean. This year’s discussions focused on common public health challenges, including emerging health threats, noncommunicable diseases, data and research, capacity building and policy action.
The PAHO/WHO Country Office for Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Caribbean participated in the conference as part of its ongoing effort to deepen engagement with the Dutch Caribbean and support the development of stronger, more responsive health systems.
Dr. Gabriel Vivas Francesconi, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, delivered a comprehensive presentation on PAHO’s work to promote evidence-informed policies across the Caribbean. His presentation drew on practical experiences from the Dutch Caribbean islands and introduced the new PAHO Strategic Plan 2026 to 2031, outlining key opportunities and challenges for the subregion.
Among the priorities highlighted were the importance of reliable data and research, stronger capacity building and policy action that supports sustainable public health outcomes.
Dr. Stephen Nurse-Findlay, PAHO/WHO Communicable Disease Advisor, also addressed the conference, providing an update on the implementation of the International Health Regulations, IHR. His presentation reviewed the obligations of States Parties, with particular attention to Points of Entry, and covered current global health considerations, including WHO’s temporary recommendations on travel related to Ebola disease.
In addition to the conference sessions, the PAHO/WHO delegation held a series of high-level discussions aimed at strengthening partnerships and advancing technical cooperation across the Dutch Caribbean.
A courtesy visit was held with Aruba’s Minister of Public Health, Social Affairs, Elderly Care and Addiction Care, Drs. Mervin Wyatt-Ras. The meeting provided an opportunity to review ongoing collaboration and align on shared priorities, including a Health in All Policies approach, strengthening rehabilitation services and responding to the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases.
PAHO/WHO also met with representatives of RIVM and the Ministry of Health of the Netherlands. These discussions reinforced a shared commitment to improved communication and future coordination. The meetings concluded with agreement to convene additional sessions to formally present and align work plans for the Dutch Caribbean.
Further consultations were held with public health focal points from the BES islands, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. During those discussions, participants reviewed progress and next steps on several areas of work, including noncommunicable disease prevention, mental health, immunization and climate change.
The 2026 DuCaPHEN Conference highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration in addressing the complex and interconnected health challenges facing small island communities. For PAHO/WHO, participation in the forum marks another step in strengthening engagement with Dutch Caribbean partners, improving alignment with regional priorities and supporting countries and territories in building health systems that are better prepared, better connected and more responsive to the needs of their populations.
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