CAHFSA Strengthens Caribbean Representation and Strategic Partnerships at the 93rd WOAH General Session

CAHFSA Strengthens Caribbean Representation and Strategic Partnerships at the 93rd WOAH General Session

The Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) participated in the 93^rd WOAH General Session, held in Paris, France from May 18-22, 2026.

The annual General Session brought together 1305 participants, including representatives from 130 Members, as well as representatives from international and regional organisations, observer countries and territories, key stakeholders and several Ministers, to address global priorities in animal health, veterinary governance, and sustainable food systems.

A key highlight of this year’s General Session was the Animal Health Forum, held under the theme “Investing in Animal Health to Secure Everyone’s Future.” The forum emphasized the critical role of animal health in supporting food security, public health, trade, and economic resilience, while underscoring the need for increased investment in veterinary services and disease prevention.

During the five-day event, CARICOM representation was evident throughout the discussions, including the participation of delegates from Belize, The Bahamas, Curacao and Guyana. Dr. Roxanna Alvarez, Director of Animal, Belize Agricultural Health Authority has assumed the role of second Vice President in Regional Commission of the Americas. There was also Caribbean representation through The Bahamas which took center stage as Dr. Somatie Inderdeo, Director of Animal Health of the The Bahamas Agricultural Health Authority participated in a panel discussion focused on WOAH’s contribution to strengthening national veterinary services through Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) assessments. The participation of the Caribbean highlights the importance of ensuring that CARICOM Member States remain actively engaged in shaping global animal health policies and strategies.

On the margins of the General Session, CAHFSA, together with the CARICOM delegates in attendance was invited to a high-level meeting Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, the Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). This meeting provided a valuable platform to strengthen collaboration between WOAH and the Caribbean region and to advance technical coorperation. Currently 4 CARICOM member states are yet to become delegates to WOAH and CAHFSA is working diligently to support the member states to join the existing 183 delegates of the World Organisation of Animal Health.

CAHFSA remains committed to facilitating, coordinating, and harmonizing the work of WOAH Delegates within CARICOM. CAHFSA’s participation in the 93^rd WOAH General Session reinforces its commitment to advancing a coordinated regional approach to animal health, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that CARICOM continues to play an active role in contributing to international discussions aimed at improving animal health systems globally.