Georgetown, Guyana. November 28, 2025. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), in partnership with the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana (Guyana), through the Ministry of Health is proud to announce the official launch of the 70th Annual Health Research Conference (AHRC) set to take place from April 22-24, 2026, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in Georgetown, Guyana.
Under the theme “Innovations in Health”, this landmark year marks seven decades of advancing scientific inquiry, strengthening regional health systems, and shaping public health policy through evidence-driven research. Recognised as the longest-running health research conference in the English-speaking Caribbean, this year’s milestone conference carries special significance as CARPHA highlights the legacy and future of regional collaboration and the contributions of researchers, practitioners, and partnerships across the Caribbean.
Executive Director of CARPHA, Dr. Lisa Indar, emphasised the historic nature of the moment:
“The 70th Annual Health Research Conference is not only a celebration of our past but a bold step into the future of Caribbean public health. Innovations in public health are the engines of modern well-being, transforming entire societies by pushing the boundaries of what is possible in disease prevention, diagnosis, and community care. They turn once-deadly outbreaks into manageable obstacles, extend life expectancy, and bring high-quality health services to the world’s most remote corners”. Dr. Indar added, “From AI-powered tools that predict epidemics before they start, to smart vaccines that save millions of lives, public health innovations do not just improve life—they redefine it, creating healthier, more resilient, and more equitable futures for all”.
As host country, Guyana’s role is especially impactful given its growing investments in health systems, infrastructure, and scientific development; it offers significant benefits including expanding research capacity and a cultural and ecological environment ideal for discussions on health equity, climate resilience and emerging diseases.
Delivering remarks at the official launch, the Honourable Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, Guyana welcomed the partnership opportunity, underscoring national pride in hosting this milestone event:
“We believe in the future of health and the new ideas that are developing and thought that this conference would help to showcase some of the emerging technologies. By hosting it in here Guyana, we can share some of our experiences and lessons learned in health. For example, we’ve done quite a lot of work in the elimination of some infectious diseases; Guyana is on target to eliminate five (5) neglected infections by the year 2030. Sharing this type of experience will help countries the Region to learn what is being done and use the techniques should they have such challenges”.
The Honourable Dr. Anthony added, “Guyana is pioneering a lot of work in digital health: with an extensive telemedicine network, the use of drone technology for the delivery of medicine, the use of AI for interpretation of x-rays and CT scans, and at this conference we will be able to share showcase some of these innovations to countries that will be visiting”.
The 70th AHRC will highlight how novel, digital and/or technological advancements are reshaping health and strengthening our collective preparedness. Each year, the Conference brings together hundreds of Caribbean researchers and global experts, medical and public-health professionals, students and young investigators, regional and international health institutions and policymakers and development partners.
About the Annual Health Research Conference:
The CARPHA Annual Health Research Conference is the largest health research conference in the English-speaking Caribbean and the longest-running health research Conference in Latin America and the Caribbean region. The goal of the Conference is to facilitate and promote communication and sharing of scientific outputs among health scientists, policymakers, and related professionals in the wider Caribbean Region.
