BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Barbados will host the 69th Annual Health Research Conference of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in May.

The May 7-9 event, will be held under the theme “Mental Health: The Hidden Pandemic” and will bring together researchers, policymakers and health professionals from the region and internationally.

Barbados Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Kenneth George, said that during and since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, health officials have seen a 100 per cent increase in people seeking mental health services, particularly younger people.

He said there has also been an increase in Alzheimer’s and neurocognitive disease in older persons. These affect over half of elderly people by age 80, and up to 70 per cent by age 85.

George said that the rise in mental health conditions wasn’t unique to Barbados but the trend could be seen throughout the region.

“We need to be strategic in how we reach [young people]. We are not going to reach them through the polyclinics or the older methods of service delivery. We have to be strategic and reach them where they are and understand their communities to deliver appropriate healthcare,” he said, adding that the local authorities were collaborating with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to develop an Adolescent Policy, which is now at an advanced stage.

CARPHA’s Executive Director, Lisa Indar said the regional health agency is expected to partner with youth organisations for the conference to make sure “the youth have a seat at the table”, so their voices can be heard where policy is concerned, noting that some circumstances may impact the mental health of youth differently from that of older people.

“We are committed, not just to Barbados but with PAHO, to look at how we can develop a targeted programme that allows us to address what is happening with youth mental health,” she added.

CARPHA said that this year’s conference and its pre-conference events, including meetings and training workshops, will be a platform for sharing ground-breaking research and clinical findings that can significantly influence public health policies.

It will serve as a forum for establishing mentorships, partnerships and collaborations. Prior to the conference, Caribbean chief medical officers will meet to address pressing public health agendas.