From August 23 to 25, 2026, as part of a mission dedicated to exchanging and sharing experiences on major public health risks in the region, Bertrand Sinal in Cap-Haïtien received a delegation from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

During this important meeting, organized to strengthen cooperation between Haiti and the Caribbean region in the field of public health,

This delegation, which included Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indra, as well as Dr. Mark Sami and Dr. Horace Cox, had the opportunity to discuss with national health authorities existing capacities, challenges facing the system, and opportunities to strengthen sectors requiring additional support.

Minister Sinal, accompanied by his Director General, Dr. Gabriel Thimothe, and several other central and departmental directors, emphasized the challenges facing the Haitian health system. However, he also took the opportunity to highlight the country's strengths and potential :

"We are receiving the delegation at a time when the country is going through great difficulties. We have no intention of hiding our challenges. We know the country's weaknesses. We know the weaknesses of the system, its constraints, its needs, and the pressure that health professionals face daily. But we also know its strengths. Haiti is a country brimming with potential, endowed with competent professionals, experienced institutions, and a population that consistently demonstrates its capacity to resist, recover, and move forward."

In addition to technical discussions, the CARPHA delegation visited several health institutions, including the Justinien University Hospital and the Sacré-Cœur Hospital in Milot. These visits allowed the delegation to gain a better understanding of the functioning of the epidemiological surveillance system and laboratories, as well as how the health sector organizes itself to prepare for and respond to public health crises and emergencies.

For Haiti, regional cooperation is essential. Diseases know no borders. Threats to public health demand greater solidarity, information sharing, knowledge transfer, and coordination among different countries. Despite differences in language and culture, Haiti believes in a more united Caribbean, where our diversity can serve as a strength to learn from one another and move forward together.

Learn more about CARPHA:

CARPHA was established by an agreement between the governments of CARICOM on July 2, 2011, and officially began operations on January 1st, 2013. Its headquarters are located in Trinidad and Tobago, and it has additional campuses in Saint Lucia and Jamaica. The agency comprises 26 member states, including Haiti, and helps coordinate regional efforts in the field of public health.

HL/ HaitiLibre