Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Strengthens Public Health Surveillance in Trinidad and Tobago
Introduction
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) held a 4-day integrated mission to Trinidad and Tobago from May 6 to 9, with the aim of strengthening Surveillance, Early Warning and Response, Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases and Food Safety capacity in preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup and other Mass Gathering (MG) events.
Mission Objectives
The CARPHA mission, led by Dr. Lisa Indar, Director, Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control (SDPC) Division, involved a multidisciplinary team across several of CARPHA’s technical departments. CARPHA focal points included Dr. Jarelle Branford and Sheena De Silva from Health Information, Communicable Diseases and Emergency Response (HCE), Keston Daniel of the Regional Tourism and Health Program (THP) and Dr. Laura-Lee Boodram, Head, Caribbean Regional Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (CR-FELTP).
Key Outcomes and Activities
The CARPHA team held insightful discussions and built capacity with several crucial health sectors, such as the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Unit, Public Health Inspectors and Liaison Services, the Insect Vector Control Division, Disaster Preparedness Coordinating Unit and Nurses, as well as the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, hospitality, and tourism sectors. Key outcomes and activities of this mission included:
- Mass gatherings surveillance training for the surveillance team, public health nurses and other members within the health sector, was conducted for thirty-one persons.
- National Risk Assessment for mass gatherings, using the WHO/PAHO Mass Gathering Risk Assessment Tool, was conducted with approximately 20 participants from the public sector.
- Desktop simulation exercise was held with multisectoral disciplines involved in coordination and emergency response for the matches.
- Training on Food and Environmental Health Safety during mass gatherings for food handlers and restaurants was held with ninety-seven persons in attendance.
- Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases for the hospitality sector with an additional focus on Mass Gatherings was held with seventy-eight persons from hotels, food and beverage sectors working with the upcoming CWC.
- Rapid response training was conducted for thirty public health professionals, including persons at the national and subnational levels, as well as medical emergency service providers.
Conclusion
Trinidad and Tobago are a popular destination for tourists both regionally and internationally, especially as it hosts major mass gathering events, such as Carnival, sporting, and religious events. This CARPHA integrated mission will bolster Trinidad and Tobago’s surveillance and response capacity and preparedness to effectively anticipate and manage potential challenges, ensuring a more secured T20 CWC tournament for all. It will also aid in future mass gatherings events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the objective of the CARPHA mission to Trinidad and Tobago?
A: The objective of the CARPHA mission was to strengthen Surveillance, Early Warning and Response, Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases and Food Safety capacity in preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup and other Mass Gathering (MG) events.
Q: Who led the CARPHA mission?
A: Dr. Lisa Indar, Director, Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control (SDPC) Division, led the CARPHA mission.
Q: What were the key outcomes and activities of the mission?
A: The key outcomes and activities of the mission included mass gatherings surveillance training, national risk assessment, desktop simulation exercise, training on Food and Environmental Health Safety, Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, and rapid response training.
Q: What is the significance of this mission?
A: This mission will bolster Trinidad and Tobago’s surveillance and response capacity and preparedness to effectively anticipate and manage potential challenges, ensuring a more secured T20 CWC tournament for all. It will also aid in future mass gatherings events.