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Statement on mpox

The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica W.I. Thursday, August 15, 2024—Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles issues the following statement.

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has noted the declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 14, 2024 of mpox as a Health Emergency of International Concern (HEIC). As the leading university in the Caribbean, The UWI commits to dedicate its considerable research expertise for the public good working with regional partners to help face this challenge. The UWI acquired cutting edge virus sequencing technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic which can now be redeployed against mpox to provide strong early detection mechanisms. We currently have the capabilities in our laboratories to make rapid and accurate diagnosis of mpox and will work closely with regional Ministries of Health, the Caribbean Public Health Authority (CARPHA), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to respond to any introduction of the virus in the region.
 

About The University of the West Indies

The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development, residing at the center of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for over 75 years. From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Global Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and the wider world.

The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). Since The UWI’s 2018 debut in THE’s rankings, it has performed well in multiple schemes—among them including World University Rankings, Golden Age University Rankings (between 50 and 80 years old), Latin America Rankings, and the Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being; Gender Equality and Climate Action. 

Learn more at www.uwi.edu.