Aruba is proud to be the host country for the 2026 meeting of the Dutch Caribbean Public Health Expertise Network (DuCaPHEN), which will bring together public health leaders, medical professionals, and regional and international partners from the Dutch Caribbean and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
This year’s event is being organized by Aruba in collaboration with the RIVM from the Netherlands, demonstrating a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation, preparedness, and resilience in public health across the entire region.
During the press conference held today, the Minister of Health, Social Affairs, Senior Care, and Addiction Policy, Mrs. Drs. Melvin Wyatt-Ras, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge exchange to face common challenges in public health.
The conference will take place next week in Aruba, gathering public health experts and partners from across the Dutch Caribbean.
DuCaPHEN was established to strengthen cooperation in public health, disease surveillance, pandemic preparedness, health promotion, and emergency response between Aruba and the other islands that form part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
This regional network continues to play an important role in knowledge exchange, coordination, and the development of more connected and resilient public health systems.
This year’s conference in Aruba will feature the participation of representatives from various health organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, and public health experts, including the RIVM and PAHO, who will participate in discussions and knowledge exchange on key health priorities.
According to Mrs. Judelca Briceno, from the management of the Department of Public Health (DVG), in a world where disease outbreaks and other threats to public health can spread rapidly, regional collaboration, preparedness, and communication are more important than ever.
Topics will include the prevention of infectious diseases, emergency preparedness, vector control, epidemiology, and better coordination between our islands.
By organizing DuCaPHEN 2026, Aruba reaffirms its commitment to innovation, progress, and regional collaboration in public health, and continues to strengthen cooperation between our islands to better respond to the health challenges that our region faces today and in the future.
The conference is expected to promote lasting cooperation, the exchange of experiences, and strategic alliances that will contribute to healthier and more resilient communities throughout the Dutch Caribbean.
