BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched the Suzan McLennon-Miguel Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Leadership Award, a new regional honor recognising exceptional leadership in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, a growing global health threat often referred to as the “silent pandemic.”

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites stop responding to the medicines used to treat them. This makes common infections harder, and sometimes impossible to cure.

In the Caribbean, AMR threatens everything from routine infections to surgeries and cancer care, placing decades of public health progress at risk.

The award celebrates the legacy of Dr Suzan McLennon-Miguel, a Jamaican veterinarian whose three-decades career spanned veterinary public health, disaster response, food safety, and AMR advocacy.

Affectionately known as “Doc Sue,” she was a passionate champion of the One Health approach, which unites human, animal, and environmental health to tackle complex health challenges like AMR.

PAHO saisd it welcomes the nominations of individuals or organisations from across the Caribbean who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to addressing AMR.

It said eligible nominees may include those who have led impactful community-based AMR initiatives; contributed to education, policy, or public health solutions; or advanced research or innovation using a One Health lens. Self-nominations are encouraged.

Nominations are open until September 30, 2025, and the winner will be announced on November 18, during this year’s World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week.

Dr McLennon-Miguel passed away in July 2023 after a battle with cancer, but her influence continues to shape public health in the Caribbean.

“She led animal health responses during the 2021 volcanic eruption in St Vincent and served as a food safety specialist at the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) in Suriname.

“Her impact extended beyond science and policy. In Jamaica, she created “Doc Sue’s Happy Rooms”—colorful spaces in hospitals where sick children could play, learn, and dream. “It’s more than a playroom,” she said. “It’s a place where children can start dreaming of what they want to be in the future,” said PAHO.

PAHO said that the awardee will be invited to its headquarters in Washington, D.C. for meetings with regional experts, participation in strategic AMR discussions, and the opportunity to showcase their work. They will also receive a commemorative plaque.

“AMR threatens lives across the Caribbean, from routine infections to critical treatments like cancer care,” said Pilar Ramon-Pardo, Chief, Antimicrobial Resistance Special Programme at PAHO.

“This award celebrates Dr McLennon-Miguel’s legacy by recognising leaders who are building a healthier future.”

A panel of experts from PAHO and international partners will select the winner based on impact, innovation, collaboration, and sustainable contributions to AMR efforts.

PAHO said it is stepping up its efforts to combat AMR in the Caribbean by strengthening surveillance, expanding laboratory capacity, promoting responsible use of antibiotics, and fostering One Health partnerships.

It said that these efforts are supported by the UK Government’s Fleming Fund and new South-South cooperation initiatives.

“By honoring leaders like Dr McLennon-Miguel, this award aims to inspire bold action to curb superbugs and safeguard the region’s health,” PAHO added.