The annual Caribbean Health Summit, presented by the Heart Institute of the Caribbean (HIC), gets under way today.

The two-day summit, which kicks off with a welcome cocktail, starting at 6:30 pm and at which participants and panelists will have an opportunity to meet a get acquainted ahead of the business sessions, is to take place at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the glaring health inequity in multiple regions worldwide and worsened the inequality in access to care.

The event will be led by international experts who will discuss the state of healthcare in the Caribbean and help create a more resilient healthcare system in the post-COVID era.

On September 15, the main summit convenes at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel with registrations at 8.00 am followed by keynote lectures by D. Christopher Tufton, minister of health and wellness; Professor Michelle Albert, president, American Heart Association; and Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, assistant director general, World Health Organization.

Several speakers from the Caribbean will also be presenting on social issues within the Caribbean health sector. 

Leading causes of death and key drivers in the Caribbean–

Marshall Tulloch-Reid, MD (Jamaica) and Simon Anderson, MD (Barbados)

Social Determinants impacting healthcare in the Caribbean-

Marietta Ambrose, MD (St Lucia) and Nadiya Figueroa DPhil (Jamaica)

Policies and Regulations Impacting Health Outcomes in the Caribbean–

David Walcott, MD (Jamaica) and Dainia Baugh, MD (Jamaica)

Healthcare Workforce and Health Outcomes- What is the relationship-

Michael Banbury, MD (Jamaica) and Al jay Pier, MD (St Kitts and Nevis)

Healthcare Finance, Standardization of Care and Health Equity

Earle Jarrett (Jamaica) and Ernest Madu, MD (Jamaica)