From Bench to Bedside: Strengthening Barbados’ Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Bridgetown, Barbados, 10 April 2026 (PAHO/WHO) - At the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory in Barbados, laboratory technologists play a vital but often unseen role in protecting public health. By identifying disease-causing organisms and determining which antibiotics will work, the team provides information that guides treatment, supports infection prevention, and strengthens national preparedness. For them, the motivation is simple: reliable laboratory results save lives and help prevent the misuse of antibiotics that drives antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Before support from the Fleming Fund–supported programme, the laboratory faced challenges common across the region - ageing infrastructure, inconsistent access to reagents, gaps in standardised surveillance, and limited data integration. These constraints sometimes slowed testing and made it harder to produce and share reliable AMR data for decision-making, particularly during outbreaks.

Through PAHO/WHO-led regional support, the laboratory strengthened microbiology capacity, standardised testing processes, improved reporting systems, and enhanced coordination with Eastern Caribbean partners. Staff gained new skills, confidence, and recognition as a regional leader, while clinicians now benefit from faster, more reliable data to guide patient care and stewardship efforts.

Looking ahead, the team aims to sustain these gains through continued training, stronger quality systems, improved supply chains, and expanded molecular and genomic capabilities to support Barbados’ growing role as a regional reference centre. 

As the team reflected on the project’s achievements, they noted that its greatest impact has been strengthening laboratory systems and surveillance capacity to deliver more reliable AMR data - supporting clinicians in providing better care and helping Barbados safeguard public health for the future.