More than 25Â health communications experts from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) member states are attending the inaugural meeting of the Regional Health Communications Network (RHCN), now underway in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The caucus which brings together technical expertise from around the region is aimed at formalizing the establishment and overall agenda for the organization, which will become the lead body on public health communications in the region.
With health communications being one of the top five priorities on the regional health agenda in addressing health issues in the wider Caribbean, CARPHA’s Executive Director Dr James Hospedales, said it’s a milestone achievement for the Caribbean.
He added that the RHCN will become the major arm in driving the various public health messages for healthy lifestyles in the Caribbean.
At the commencement of Wednesday’s official meeting repeated mention was made of the realization of health science and communication being the core of public health.
Communications/Information Officer in the Ministry of Health Government Information Service (GIS), Keville Frederick is Grenada’s representative on the RHCN.
He says that Grenada and the Caribbean as a whole stands to benefit immensely from the RHCN through timely information gathering and sharing, and the implementation of public health programs and best practices that can impact positively on the lives of Caribbean nationals.
The two-day meeting is taking place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad.