PAHO launches award to recognize Caribbean leadership in the fight against superbugs – PAHO/WHO
Open nominations until September 30, 2025
Bridgetown, Barbados, September 5, 2025 (PAHO/WHO)-The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched the Suzan McLennon-Miguel Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) leadership, a new regional honor that recognizes exceptional leadership in the fight against antimicrobial resistance: a growing threat of global health often referred as the «Silent Pandemic».
The award celebrates the legacy of Dr. Suzan McLennon-Miguel, a Jamaican veterinarian whose three decades ranged veterinary public health, the response to disasters, food security and AMR defense. Failiously known as «Doc Sue», she was a passionate champion of the unique health approach, which unites human, animal and environmental health to face complex health challenges such as AMR.
Paho welcomes the nominations of individuals or organizations throughout the Caribbean that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to address the AMR. Eligible nominees may include those who have led AMR AMR initiatives of impressive; contributed to education, politics or public health solutions; o Advanced research or innovation using a single health lens. Self -incultion is encouraged.
The nominations are open until September 30, 2025, and the winner will be announced on November 18, 2025, during the World Week of Awareness on Antimicrobial Resistance.
Celebrating a legacy of the Caribbean leadership
Dr. McLennon-Miguel died in July 2023 after a battle against cancer, but his influence continues to shape public health in the Caribbean. He led animal health responses during volcanic eruption 2021 in San Vicente and served as a specialist in Food Security at the Caribbean Food Security and Safety Agency (CAHFSA) in Surinam.
Its impact extended beyond science and politics. In Jamaica, he created «Doc Sue’s Happy Rooms», colorful spaces in hospitals where sick children could play, learn and dream. «It’s more than a game room,» he said. «It is a place where children can start dreaming of what they want to be in the future.»
The winner will be invited to the headquarters of Paho in Washington, DC for meetings with regional experts, participation in strategic Discussions of AMR and the opportunity to show their work. They will also receive a commemorative plaque.
«AMR threatens lives throughout the Caribbean, from routine infections to critical treatments such as cancer care,» said Pilar Ramon-Pardo, chief, special antimicrobial resistance program in Paho. «This award celebrates the legacy of Dr. McLennon-Miguel by recognizing leaders who are building a healthier future.»
A panel of PAHO and international partners will select the winner based on the impact, innovation, collaboration and sustainable contributions to AMR efforts.
Why is it important?
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites stop responding to the medications used to treat them. This makes common infections more difficult, and sometimes impossible, to cure. In the Caribbean, AMR threatens everything, from routine infections to surgeries and cancer care, which puts decades of progress in public health.
Pah is intensifying his efforts to combat AMR in the Caribbean strengthening surveillance, expanding laboratory capacity, promoting the responsible use of antibiotics and promoting a health association. These efforts are supported by the Fleming Fund of the United Kingdom government and the new South-South cooperation initiatives.
By honoring leaders such as Dr. McLennon-Miguel, this award aims to inspire a bold action to stop the superbacteria and safeguard the health of the region.
Download the nomination form (PDF) and read the complete call for nominations (PDF).
For questions or to send a nomination, communicate with Franka des Vignes at desicigfra@paho.org or Nathalie the omeiri at elomeirin@paho.org, using the matter: the nomination of the Suzan McLennon-Miguel Award.
