PAHO supported Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to strengthen emergency preparedness and response capacities, with tangible results following Hurricane Beryl. Through direct technical assistance, PAHO supported after-action reviews and updates to multihazard preparedness plans, ensuring that lessons learned from the response were systematically documented and translated into institutional improvements. In addition, the support provided contributed to strengthening coordination mechanisms, surveillance, and operational readiness within the health sector.  

These actions enhanced the country’s ability to maintain essential health services during emergencies and to respond more effectively to future shocks. By embedding learning into preparedness planning and reinforcing coordination and response systems, this achievement contributes to greater health system resilience. Over time, strengthened emergency management capacities are expected to reduce health impacts from disasters, protect vulnerable populations, and safeguard continuity of care in the face of increasingly frequent and severe climate-related events. 

Photo caption: PAHO team tours a health facility on Union Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines following Hurricane Beryl

Credit: PAHO Brenda Lashley