The Aim
- Intensify all efforts to alert the population in all territories on the need to prevent kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension
- To identify and pursue methods to strengthen the delivery of renal health care in member territories
- To improve the lives of patients and their families throughout the region
- To fund research and disseminate information on our regional experiences relating to certain health conditions
Mission & Vision
Mission
To improve the quality of life of the sick and disadvantaged in the Caribbean community through wellness initiatives, education and charitable funding.
Vision
To be recognized globally as the Caribbean’ s leading foundation, promoting Healthy lifestyle choices and philanthropy
A Legacy of Service and Giving Back
For over 20 years, the CARAIFA Foundation has been a beacon of hope, support, and empowerment in the Caribbean. Established as the charitable arm of the Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (CARAIFA), every year, the Foundation focuses on different health conditions with a view to helping to improve the quality of life of the sick and disadvantaged. These include persons living with kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.
The Day of Common Concern
The CARAIFA Foundation, deeply rooted in the legacy of CARAIFA, was founded on October 31, 2003.
From 2021, the day October 31 became one of special significance across the Caribbean. Known as The Day of Common Concern (DOCC), it is a day that unites our member territories in the spirit of giving back. Each year, DOCC serves as a rallying point for initiatives aimed at supporting healthcare, education, and wellness programs.
Out of this charitable gesture the CARAIFA Foundation was born and for the past two (2) decades, has channelled its efforts into strengthening kidney disease awareness and prevention among other chronic illnesses. This noble arm of CARAIFA has been and continues to partner with kidney and other healthcare associations, medical experts, and institutions to enhance patient support and public education across the Caribbean.
Kidney Disease in the Caribbean
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a silent epidemic in the Caribbean, affecting thousands of lives. Recent medical research highlights alarming statistics. Approximately 10% of the Caribbean population suffers from CKD, exceeding the global average of 9%. Diabetes and hypertension remain the leading causes of CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
The Foundation’s work reflects the need for greater public understanding as the situation is urgent because the prevalence of kidney disease in the region is expected to increase. According to reports from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Expert Working Group for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, diabetes and hypertension are among the leading causes of death in the Caribbean, with cases continuing to rise. These conditions are the direct primary drivers of CKD and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Many Caribbean territories currently lack the capacity to treat kidney failure, forcing families to watch loved ones suffer without adequate treatment. Because keeping dialysis sufferers alive requires substantial funding such as the $2.5 million USD needed for just 100 patients in Barbados, small regional economies struggle to prioritize this high-cost sector.
To provide long-term solutions, regional priority must be given to establishing sustainable transplant programs. Expanding Caribbean transplant capacity requires immediate investment in:
- Dedicated healthcare infrastructure and operating facilities.
- Specialized training for medical personnel and support staff.
- Standardized protocols and procedures for harvesting available organs.
While treatment costs are high, the value of a human life cannot be measured in dollars and cents. The CARAIFA Foundation invites individuals, corporate partners, and international institutions to support our regional efforts through ideas, funding, and other resources.
How You Can Support:
- Pledge & Donate: Help fund regional health education, patient support programs, and research.
- Participate in DOCC: Join AIFA’s throughout the regional outreach initiatives on October 31 for the Day of Common Concern.
- Promote Prevention: Share awareness resources on controlling hypertension and diabetes.
References & Data Sources
- CARAIFA Foundation (2026). Website Documentation & Historical Archive. Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.
- Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Meeting of the Expert Working Group for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control in the Caribbean. PAHO/WHO.
- Global & Regional Renal Data:
- Global CKD Prevalence Average.
- Caribbean CKD Prevalence Average.
- Barbados Dialysis Cost Benchmarks.
Ways to Give
PLEDGE CRITERIA
As the foundation moves forward to gain visibility and garner more pledges to assist its cause. It implores its members to be reminded of the criteria for pledges and to give generously:
Platinum
US$1000 annually for 5 years
Gold
US$500 annually for 5 years
Silver
US$250 annually for 5 years
Bronze
US$ 100 annually for 5 years
Make a pledge today! Contributors will be featured on the CARAIFA website and recognised at the CARAIFA annual Sales Congress.
CARAIFA Foundation Tote Bags or CARAIFA Foundation Pins
The CARAIFA Foundation in keeping with the GIVE =GET GET (GET)2 tag line will give a beautiful tote bag or CARAIFA Foundation pin in exchange for a minimum donation of US$20
Gift of Life Sponsors
Foundation Recipients
Name | Territory | Period | Amount (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|
Thomason Thomas (Dominica Dialysis Association) | Dominica | May 2024 | 700.00 |
Caryl Mitchel (Dominica Dialysis Association) | Dominica | May 2024 | 700.00 |
Olivia Valmond (Dominica Dialysis Association) | Dominica | May 2024 | 700.00 |
Jamaica Kidney Kids Foundation | Jamaica | September 2019 | 2,170.30 |
Jamaica Kidney Kids Foundation | Jamaica | September 2018 | 1,500.00 |
Creton Bourne | Jamaica | April, 2017 | 2,000.00 |
Jyoti Bann | Trinidad | April, 2015 | 3,000.00 |
Cleveland ‘Livy’ Carter | Barbados | February, 2013 | 2,000.00 |
Victor Prime | Grenada | January, 2013 | 3,500.00 |
Leebourne Reid | Jamaica | May, 2010 | 1,810.00 |
Nashali Malara | Belize | November, 2008 | 1,200.00 |
Henrietta John | St. Lucia | May, 2007 | 4,322.90 |
Zedina Bristol | Grenada | March, 2007 | 1,500.00 |
TOTAL DONATIONS | $ 25,103. 20 |