Violence in the Caribbean: a Public Health Crisis

Violence is rightly examined as a public health issue, because it affects physical, mental, and psychosocial health, it affects the individual families, and communities.

Violence plagues the Region and represents a huge burden on health systems and has major economic costs to society as a whole. 

“It is for this reason that, “Violence in the Caribbean: a Public Health Crisis” has been chosen as the theme forthe Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Annual Health Research Conference this year. Crime and violence threaten public safety, economies, and mental well-being and is no friend to anyone. It affects all levels of society. The conference will address this scourge inflicting harm across our entire Region. In partnership with the St. Lucia’s Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, CARPHA will welcome researchers, medical, public health professionals, and those from related fields to participate. We encourage lively discussions and exploration of research, analyses, and proposed solutions to address this public health crisis,” stated Dr. Joy St. John, CARPHA Executive Director, speaking at the March 20^th media launch for the conference. 

CARPHA, in collaboration with the Government of Saint Lucia, through the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs will host the 68^th Health Research Conference from 25-27 April 2024.  The three-day conference, which gives delegates a platform to network, share research and insights, will take place at the Royalton Saint Lucia, Cap Estate, Gros- Islet.

The conference is the Caribbean’s premier gathering of health research professionals.   More than 150 participants will benefit from oral and poster presentations; and concurrent sessions. Health researchers will be awarded at theConference for their outstanding contributions to public health in the Region. 

In his opening remarks, Honourable Moses Jn Baptiste, Saint Lucia’s Minister of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs said “This theme is both timely and relevant as the escalating levels of violence and crime are of serious concern both locally and for the Region. This has been addressed in the past as a developmental issue focusing on the balance between tough law enforcement, social development, and crime prevention strategies. The effects on the health sector are of particular concern to me as the Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs. The effects range from the increased physical injuries with loss of limbs and disabilities, to mental health disorders due to psychological distress, anxiety and depression, especially in the communities most impacted. He added “the public health approach which is proposed will assist in the identification of the determinants or the causal factors, prevention strategies and facilitate the holistic approach utilizing multiple agencies to address crime and violence.”  

The Conference will be attended by Chief Medical Officers, researchers, law enforcement officers, regional security officials, health and allied health professionals (physicians, nurses, psychologists, environmental healthofficers) and other public health officials from across the Caribbean Region, Latin America, North America, and Europe.

The Minister encouraged members of the Medical and Dental Association, Nurses Associations, Pharmacy, Allied Health professionals and related disciplines to participate fully.  He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with CARPHA in bringing this conference to Saint Lucia and highlighted that the benefits of the conference willbe far reaching long after the event is over. He also encouraged the general public to participate in a town hall discussion themed: Violence and the Youth, on Wednesday 24th April from 6:00pm.  The venue is the Financial Administrative Center, Point Seraphine, Castries.

Leading up to the conference, are the following

• Town Hall Meeting
• Monitoring and Evaluation Workshop
• Meetings of the Caribbean Vector Borne Disease Network, and
• Meeting of the CARICOM Chief Medical Officers

More information about the conference, rates, feature speakers, including sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, can be found at http://conference.carpha.org/  and on social media at CARPHA1.