health

Regional Public Goods for Sustainable Health Development

The Caribbean Cooperation in Health (CCH) advances the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) objective of enhanced functional cooperation found in Article 6 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, with the aim to achieve more efficient operation of common services and activities; to promote greater understanding among its peoples and the advancement of their social, cultural and technological development; and to intensify joint activities in areas such as health, education, transportation, and telecommunications.

Delivered at the International InterAgency Meeting On Adolescent Pregnancy In Latin America and The Caribbean

presented by : Morella Joseph Programme Manager – HRD CARICOMSecretariat

17-19 March 2014

The Caribbean Cooperation in Health Phase III (CCH III) Regional Health Framework – The CCH III represents a mechanism to unite Caribbean territories in a common goal to improve health and wellbeing, develop the productive potential of the people, and, by definition, the competitive advantage of the region.

The Caribbean Community, CARICOM, consists of 15 full member countries with a total population of about 15 million people. There are 5 associate member states with a total population of about 164,000. These populations are of different sizes and are diverse in people, language, skills and levels of development - economic and social . In general, the Caribbean is disadvantaged with respect to their small size and small economies that limit resources and investments.

The Strategic Plan of Action for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the Countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is in tended to form a road map for action and resource mobilisation at both the regional and country levels. The Plan also includes recommendations for country plans, and at the national level, countries need to own the Plan by adapting it according to their priorities, adopting it and identifying their own sustainable funding for NCDs, e.g., a National Health Fund. Regional funds can and may be injected.