Aruba is set to host the 2026 Dutch Caribbean Public Health Expertise Network (DuCaPHEN) meeting next week. The conference will unite public health leaders, medical professionals, and partners from across the Dutch Caribbean and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Organized by Aruba in collaboration with RIVM from the Netherlands, the event demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation, preparation, and resiliency within the region’s public health sector.
During a recent press conference, Minister of Health, Social Affairs, Elderly Care, and Addiction Management, Melvin Wyatt-Ras, underscored the value of regional cooperation. Wyatt-Ras stated that exchanging knowledge is necessary to confront shared public health challenges facing the islands. The DuCaPHEN network plays a key role in connecting health systems and was established to bolster disease surveillance, pandemic readiness, health promotion, and emergency response capabilities between Aruba and other Kingdom partners.
Judelca Briceno, Head of the Department of Public Health (DVG), noted that in a world where disease outbreaks can propagate rapidly, collaboration is crucial. Briceno emphasized that preparation and communication are of great importance. The agenda focuses on disease surveillance, pandemic preparedness, health promotion, and emergency response capabilities. Representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations such as PAHO will gather to discuss these priorities.
