Director General of the OECS Commission, Dr Didacus Jules issued a call for the region to take greater ownership of its health priorities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Jules highlighted the impact of increasingly severe hurricanes, rising rates of non-communicable diseases and the spread of infectious illnesses across borders.
Dr Jules said declining international aid and cooperation could leave the region more vulnerable, particularly if countries continue to rely on short-term, project-based funding.
He stressed that the OECS must establish its own health agenda, with international partners supporting regional priorities rather than determining them.