About the CARE-SAFE project
The number of respiratory infections in the Caribbean is among the highest globally. Preventive measures, such as flu vaccination and RSV prophylaxis, are most effective when timed according to local viral spread; therefore, the World Health Organization recommends that their timing is guided by local epidemiological data. However, currently, timing in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns with the Netherlands, while the tropical climate and tourism likely influence virus transmission in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
This may lead to suboptimal protection of the Caribbean population. In CARE-SAFE, we aim to define the seasonality of known viruses that could lead to epidemics in the Caribbean. Additionally, we assess population susceptibility to new viruses by analyzing antibodies in routine diagnostic nasal swabs. Strengthening the existing collaboration between the Caribbean islands and Radboudumc, this project enhances capacity for infectious disease control, preparing for outbreaks of both existing and new viruses in the Caribbean.
Founding investigators and primary affiliations
Dr. Lilly Verhagen (Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands)
Dr. Radjinkoemar Steingrover (St. Maarten Medical Center and St. Maarten Laboratory Services, Cay Hill, St. Maarten & Fundashion Mariadal, Kralendijk, Bonaire)
Dr. Angelino Tromp (Medical Laboratory Services, Curaçao)
Drs. Fleur Koene (Medical Laboratory Services, Curaçao)
Dr. Sonja van Roeden (St. Maarten Medical Center, St. Maarten)
Drs. Martijn Tilanus (St. Maarten Medical Center, St. Maarten)
Participating institutions and current project group members
Aruba
LabHOH (Jayant Kalpoe)
Bonaire
Fundashon Mariadal (Radjin Steingrover)
Bonlab
Curaçao
MLS (Angelino Tromp, Fleur Koene)
ADC (Peter Klein Klouwenberg)
St. Maarten
SLS (Radjin Steingrover)
SMMC
Saba
Saba Cares
St. Eustatius
St. Eustatius Healthcare Foundation
Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases & Immunology (Lilly Verhagen)
Project coordinator
Drs. Charlene Maria
Project funding
