Bridgetown, Barbados, July 2026 – The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) have signed a Framework Agreement aimed at advancing the One Health initiative in the Eastern Caribbean. This partnership focuses on collaboration in education, research, disease surveillance, and capacity building to address interlinked health challenges affecting humans, animals, and the environment.

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One Health emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, encouraging coordinated efforts to combat emerging health threats. Through this new agreement, PAHO/WHO and RUSVM aim to strengthen regional capabilities in preventing, detecting, and responding to zoonotic diseases, as well as enhance efforts toward disease elimination and the development of sustainable health systems.

The partnership will focus on four main objectives: integrating One Health into educational programs, fostering interdisciplinary research, tackling regional and global health issues, and enhancing public health capacities in the Eastern Caribbean.

Under the collaboration, RUSVM will provide technical assistance in preparing certification documents for interrupting the transmission of schistosomiasis and dog bite-mediated human rabies in historically affected countries. Additionally, RUSVM will enhance surveillance for zoonotic and emerging diseases and contribute to PAHO/WHO technical meetings on One Health and disease eradication.

On the other hand, PAHO/WHO is expected to offer technical guidance for disease elimination projects, facilitate engagement with Member States and regional partners, and promote Collaborative opportunities within its One Health network.

Both institutions will work together to strengthen partnerships throughout the Eastern Caribbean, enhance research and innovation, deliver capacity-building training, raise awareness of One Health initiatives, and jointly organize workshops and conferences. This collaboration will also help address complex health challenges, including antimicrobial resistance and climate change.

Dr. Prabhjot Singh, Interim PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, stated, "This partnership illustrates the importance of cross-sector collaboration, including with private institutions like Ross University, to further our commitment to One Health across the region. RUSVM’s local insights combined with their expertise will bolster efforts to prevent zoonotic diseases and support more resilient communities."

Dr. Rob Gilbert, Dean of RUSVM, expressed pride in the partnership, emphasizing the joint aim of protecting the health of humans, animals, and the environment. He noted that RUSVM is well-positioned to contribute local knowledge and technical skill to enhance health security and confront emerging threats.

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, a Covista institution, prepares students for veterinary careers and promotes human, animal, and ecosystem health through its research programs. Located on St. Kitts, RUSVM has approximately 8,000 alumni and offers accredited postgraduate degrees, including a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. The Pan American Health Organization serves as the international health agency for the Americas, aiming to improve health and reduce inequalities across the region.