Turks and Caicos Premier, Hon Dr. Rufus Ewing, at the opening ceremony of the 61st Health Research Conference of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), spoke on the major social issues that Caribbean territories face.

"We must go back to the family, to basics, if we are to successfully address issues such as teenage pregnancy, mental health and youth violence in the Caribbean," he said.   

The premier also lamented that most countries in the region are grappling with the increasing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases and zika. He stated that the financial and economic impact of these threats can instantly lessen the fiscal capacity of countries.

The conference, he added, is fitting as it provides a forum for sharing ideas and solutions to the region's health challenges.

Also speaking at the ceremony, CARPHA Executive Director, Dr. C. James Hospedales endorsed the importance of the health research conference.

He pointed out that while the evidence is readily available, the challenge is in implementation. Dr. Hospedales told the audience of public health professionals, policy makers, clinicians and students, that there was a need to strengthen the ethical framework for research, but just as important was the ability to translate research into policy.
The Health Research Conference is jointly hosted by the Government of Turks and Caicos Islands and CARPHA.

It was held from June 23 - 25, at the  Beaches Resort, Providenciales, under the theme "Family Health: Living Healthy at all Ages."

The 2017 conference will be held in Guyana under the theme "Climate Change: The Environment and Human Health."