BRIGDETOWN, Barbados, ( GIS) – A diverse group of researchers, policymakers, and health professionals from the region and across the globe will gather in Barbados from May 7 to 9, for the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA’s) 69th Annual Health Research Conference.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, representatives from CARPHA and the ministry of health and wellness shed some light on the importance of the conference, themed “Mental Health: The Hidden Pandemic”.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Kenneth George, disclosed that during and since the COVID-19 pandemic, health officials had seen a 100 percent increase in persons seeking mental health services, particularly younger people.
Additionally, he reported there was also an increase in Alzheimer’s and neurocognitive disease in older persons. These affect over half of elderly persons by age 80, and up to 70 percent by age 85; added that the rise in mental health conditions wasn’t unique to Barbados but the trend could be seen throughout the region.
The CMO said the ministry had established a Mental Health Hotline for those seeking help and had extended the Child Guidance Clinic to three days a week, as well as other measures to address the problem.
Dr George shared the ministry was collaborating with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to develop an Adolescent Policy, which he said was at an advanced stage.
“We need to be strategic in how we reach [young people]. We are not going to reach them through the polyclinics or the older methods of service delivery. We have to be strategic and reach them where they are and understand their communities to deliver appropriate healthcare,” he emphasised.
CARPHA is expected to partner with youth organisations for the conference to make sure “the youth have a seat at the table”, so their voices can be heard where policy is concerned.
Executive director of CARPHA, Dr Lisa Indar, pointed out that some circumstances may impact the mental health of youth differently from that of older persons.
“We are committed, not just to Barbados but with PAHO, to look at how we can develop a targeted programme that allows us to address what is happening with youth mental health,” she stated.
The 69th Annual Health Research Conference and its pre-conference events, including meetings and training workshops, will be a platform for sharing groundbreaking research and clinical findings that can significantly influence public health policies.
It will serve as a forum for establishing mentorships, partnerships, and collaborations that will strengthen the capacity of researchers in Barbados to attract grants, conduct impactful research, and utilise their findings effectively. Prior to the conference, CMOs from across the region will meet to address pressing public health agendas.
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