Over the biennium, PAHO supported the Bahamas in consolidating infection prevention and control (IPC) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) efforts as integral components of health system strengthening and disease elimination.  

Through sustained technical cooperation, PAHO assisted national authorities in aligning the national IPC program with internationally accepted guidance, and in developing a five-year national IPC road map to guide implementation. Support included technical input for national planning, organization of two national IPC workshops reaching 100 participants each, health care-associated infection surveillance training in both tertiary hospitals, capacity building for five IPC coordinators, and communication materials. In parallel, PAHO supported AMR efforts with an approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health, contributing to the review of the national AMR action plan (currently awaiting ministerial approval) and implementation of related activities; strengthening multisectoral coordination; and supporting awareness-raising activities, including national AMR Awareness Week campaigns.  

These actions helped to institutionalize IPC and AMR practices, improve workforce competencies, and promote consistent implementation across health facilities. By strengthening prevention of health care-associated infections and AMR, this achievement contributes to safer care, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced system resilience, while advancing national and regional priorities under the Disease Elimination Initiative.