Inaugural Health Disaster Medicine Symposium held to Strengthen Emergency Readiness

Large Group Photo, foreground from left: Dr. Philip Swann, Acting Director of Public Health/Health Disaster Lead; Rochelle Newbold, Director of Climate Change and Environmental Advisory Unit; Dr. Sasha Peiris, Advisor, PAHO, Bahamas Office; the Hon. Leon Lundy, Minister of State for Disaster Risk Management; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Professor Gregory Ciottone, Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians Group; and Aarone Sargent, Managing Director of the Disaster Risk Management Authority. (BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The Ministry of Health and Wellness facilitated an Inaugural Disaster Medicine Symposium aimed at strengthening preparedness within the health sector, and national readiness.

In 2024, the Ministry of Health and Wellness signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians (HMFP) at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to strengthen collaboration in disaster medicine, training, and professional development.

That agreement established a framework for partnership in academic exchange, professional development, research, and innovation in disaster medicine and emergency management.

The Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville officially opened the symposium held March 12 to 13, 2026 at the British Colonial.

The opening ceremony was also addressed by Dr. Philip Swann, Acting Director of Public Health/Health Disaster Lead; Rochelle Newbold, Director of Climate Change and Environmental Advisory Unit; the Hon. Leon Lundy, Minister of State for Disaster Risk Management; Aarone Sargent, Managing Director of the Disaster Risk Management Authority, along with representatives of HMFP, and other international and national stakeholders.

Participants were physicians, nurses, and public health professionals from New Providence, Grand Bahama and Family Islands who provide essential frontline care through the MOHW, DPH and PHA.

Partners involved represented several government ministries and agencies including the Disaster Risk Management Authority, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Climate Change and Environment Unit, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

The symposium focused on creating new opportunities for training, knowledge exchange, and professional development for Bahamian professionals. Discussions contributed to strengthening national capacity to respond to emergencies, protect lives, and safeguard communities across the islands.

Dr. Darville, in his opening remarks, underscored the importance of the health disaster conference.

"This symposium is one of the first major initiatives under that agreement. It also represents the beginning of a long-term vision for the development of a Centre of Excellence in Disaster Medicine in The Bahamas. Such a centre has the potential to serve not only our country but also the wider Caribbean region," he said.

The symposium also focused on improving readiness for climate-related disasters and other complex threats that affect island nations. Discussions aimed to develop a shared operational understanding across Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Practice, and Public Health.

Participants worked toward practical outcomes, including the development of quick reference clinical tools, the identification of key capability gaps, and the creation of a 60 - 90 day action plan to guide future preparedness efforts.

The aim is to make it less challenging for disaster and health response throughout The Bahamas - an archipelago of some 700 Islands and over 2,000 cays and rocks, spread across more than 100,000 square miles of ocean.

Dr. Darville shared that a dedicated Health Disaster Unit has been established within the health sector. This unit serves as the focal point for disaster planning, coordination, training, and simulation exercises. The Unit works closely with the Department of Public Health, Public Hospitals Authority, Disaster Risk Management Authority, and other partners.

He was also pleased to announce that The Bahamas has an approved All-Hazards Health Disaster Plan. This plan provides a unified framework for responding to hurricanes, industrial accidents, disease outbreaks, and other public health emergencies.

And, another initiative underway is the establishment of the National Mass Gathering Risk Assessment Authority. This agency will help strengthen preparedness for large events by supporting coordinated risk assessments, establishing policies for public safety, and enhancing early detection of emerging health threats that could affect both residents and visitors.

"Preparedness is more than plans on paper. It requires well-trained professionals, coordinated institutions, practice exercises and sustained partnerships. This is precisely why this symposium is so important," said Dr. Darville.