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This marks one year before we the Biblical milestone of three score years and 10. What an achievement! I look forward, with anticipation, to surpassing this milestone as we continue to foster a culture of research, which will enable us as a Region to develop science /evidence-based policies, practices, and programmes that protect and promote health and well-being for all.
This year, our focus is on Mental Health: The Hidden Pandemic. Mental health is a significant and increasing public health challenge, Public health aims to promote healthy lifestyles and detect, prevent, and respond to diseases. The prevalence of mental health issues that affect individuals’ physical and social well-being makes mental health a public health issue integral to achieving community health goals .Mental health has a huge impact on how people relate to others, make decisions, and handle stress. People’s ability to live fulfilling lives often depends on their mental health. This makes protecting and restoring mental health of immediate concern to public health professionals. with increasing impact in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the mental health of adults and children, catapulting the mental health situation in countries. Many people experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder during the pandemic. Data suggested that people were more likely to develop mental illnesses or disorders in the months following COVID-19 infection. People with long COVID likely experienced many symptoms related to brain function and mental health .Healthcare and other frontline workers, children and young people, women, families, the homeless, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, were impacted. Particularly for adolescents, we are seeing rates of mental health problems and substance use increasing worldwide. The Caribbean is no exception. What is especially worrying is the rise in suicidal behaviour in this age group. High rates of non-communicable chronic diseases are also associated with a range of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders, which in turn influence treatment adherence, morbidity and mortality.
Crime and violence affect mental, physical, and psychosocial health, individual families, and communities. In 2024, at the 68th Health Research Conference, Violence in the Caribbean: A Public Health Crisis, CARPHA brought together experts and participants in Saint Lucia to discuss and understand why violence is happening, and how it impacts our societies.
Increased multifaceted attention also needs to be invested in mental health and wellness, alongside better recognition and innovative intervention strategies, to improve the mental health of the Caribbean people.
This year, under the theme Mental Health: The Hidden Pandemic CARPHA continues its commitment to tackling another scourge. During the 69th Annual Health Research we will explore the latest research and evidence; discuss mental health issues in the Caribbean; and highlight what more can be done to develop practical solutions to solve real-world issues; how to invest in the quality of preventative and remedial care necessary for a healthier safer Caribbean.
We are happy to have you join us in beautiful Barbados. We warmly invite you to participate in the insightful discussions, networking, and exhibitors’ booths at the Conference, but also take some time to relax in the island sun, as you enjoy the local culture.