BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (PAHO/WHO) – The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) has announced Dr Rajeev Nagassar of Trinidad and Tobago as the first recipient of the Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Leadership Award, established in memory of Jamaican veterinarian and public health advocate Dr Suzan McLennon-Miguel.The virtual ceremony brought together regional and international health leaders to celebrate Caribbean leadership and innovation in AMR.Reflecting on the award, Dr Pilar Ramon-Pardo, chief of the AMR Special Program at PAHO/WHO stated.
“This year’s nominations reflect the Caribbean’s remarkable strength and diversity, with expertise spanning human and animal health, microbiology, epidemiology, agriculture, civil society and advocacy. Across submissions, three values stood out – advocacy anchored in compassion, the ability to turn evidence into real-world impact, and collaboration across borders and sectors. These reflect the true Caribbean spirit and the legacy of Dr McLennon-Miguel.”Chair of the Award Selection Committee, consultant internal medicine and infectious dDiseases (Barbados), Dr Corey Forde added
“Today is an important moment not only for the Caribbean but for the wider global community. The region has shown that we can and will lead in AMR, as we have seen through development in recent years with the support of our governments and leadership from PAHO/WHO.”Speaking on the honour, Dr Nagassar remarked:“I have realised that we are all interconnected with plants, animals and the environment. It’s the same with humanity, the other sectors and the microbial world. This connection is rooted in One Health. People ask me: why do you study hand hygiene, antibiotics, surveillance and all the things you do? Why do you take on so many roles? It’s because they are all connected, and I am trying to solve a problem, not just to conduct research or produce data. We must all come to this realisation that we are not separate and we can solve, not just antimicrobial resistance, but other pressing infectious and noncommunicable public health issues by understanding this interconnectedness.
Dr Nagassar was recognised for his leadership in advancing Trinidad and Tobago’s AMR response, including coordinating the country’s first National Action Plan and pioneering new surveillance indicators. With more than sixteen years dedicated to AMR containment across policy, academia, research and community engagement, his work continues to shape regional resilience and One Health action.
Dr Nagassar will receive a commemorative plaque and participate in an immersive visit to PAHO Headquarters in Washington, DC, to present his work and engage with global AMR experts.Launched during World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2024, PAHO’s Caribbean AMR Leadership Award will be presented annually to honour exceptional contributions to AMR prevention and containment, policy, education or research in the Caribbean.
