The Department of Health is pleased to announce that its staff recently participated in the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA) largest training workshop on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), held in Trinidad and Tobago from August 25–29, 2025. The week-long programme brought together experts and health officers from 20 Caribbean nations to build skills in modern laboratory methods that help detect and track drug-resistant infections.
Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP, welcomed the training and the benefits it brings to Bermuda: “Antimicrobial resistance is a silent but growing threat that affects us all. By equipping our health professionals with the latest tools and knowledge, we are protecting the safety of our food, the strength of our health system, and ultimately, the wellbeing of our people. Bermuda is proud to work alongside our Caribbean partners to confront this challenge head-on.”
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria and other germs no longer respond to the medicines used to treat them. This means common infections can become harder and sometimes impossible to treat. AMR is considered one of the world’s most serious health threats, contributing to nearly 5 million deaths globally each year.
For Bermuda, tackling AMR is especially important. The safe use of antibiotics in both human health and animal agriculture helps ensure that the milk, meat, and other food products we consume remain safe. Without proper safeguards, resistant bacteria can spread from animals to people, putting public health at risk. Strengthening our ability to test and monitor resistance protects families, supports farmers, and helps keep our community safe.
The CARPHA workshop provided Department of Health staff with hands-on training in cutting-edge molecular testing techniques. These methods allow for faster, more accurate detection of resistant bacteria, which means better surveillance, quicker response, and stronger protection for the public. By investing in these skills, Bermuda joins regional and international partners in taking action to stop the spread of drug-resistant infections.