News Releases

17th Caribbean Conference on Building Resilient Health Financing Systems

For Release Upon Receipt - October 2, 2026

St. Augustine


ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago - Otober 2, 2026 - From November 18-20, 2026 health leaders, policymakers, financing experts, development partners, academia, and other stakeholders from across the region will convene at the 17th Caribbean Conference on National Health Financing Initiatives under the theme, ‘Resilient Health Financing Systems in the Caribbean: Confronting Change, Transition and Transformation’.

Jointly hosted by The University of the West Indies, The Health Economics Unit (HEU), and The Bermuda Health Council, the conference will provide a regional platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration on strengthening health financing systems to address emerging challenges and opportunities. Participants will explore innovative approaches to financing healthcare, advancing universal health coverage, improving financial protection, and ensuring the sustainability and resilience of health systems amid economic, demographic, epidemiological, and climate-related changes.
 
As Caribbean countries navigate a rapidly evolving health and development landscape, the conference will highlight strategies for adapting to transitions in population health needs, fiscal environments, technological advancements, and healthcare delivery models. Discussions will focus on evidence-based policies and practical solutions that support equitable access to quality health services while enhancing system efficiency and resilience.
 
The conference is expected to generate actionable recommendations and strengthen regional partnerships aimed at transforming health financing frameworks to better serve Caribbean populations now and in the future.
  
 
 
 
 
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About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has played a crucial role in Caribbean development for over 75 years, consistently contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people across the region. Established in 1948 as a university college of London in Jamaica, with just 33 medical students, UWI has grown into an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students. Today, it boasts five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda, and its Global Campus, along with international centres in partnership with universities across North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the leading university in the Caribbean, it is home to the largest pool of intellect and expertise in the region, dedicated to addressing the critical issues facing both the Caribbean and the wider world.

Validated by its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018, The UWI has affirmed its position as one of the top universities globally. It stands out as the only English-speaking institution in the Caribbean featured in four of THE's prestigious ranking lists. The World University Rankings evaluate over 2,000 research-focused universities worldwide, while the Golden Age University Rankings highlight institutions established between 50 and 80 years ago. The Latin America Rankings focus specifically on universities within Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This recognition has also spring boarded the establishment of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISDJ), a global online graduate business school aimed at preparing future leaders for sustainable development.

The UWI is an SDG-engaged university consistently recognised among the best in the world. Discover more at www.uwi.edu.

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