Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe is praising the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for its rapid response and leadership in strengthening regional health systems, particularly during global health threats like Ebola and Hantavirus.
Speaking at CARPHA’s Second Joint Regional Health Security Meeting on Tuesday, he said rapid information sharing remains one of the most critical tools in preventing outbreaks, pointing specifically to CARPHA’s response during the recent Ebola threat in certain parts of the world.
He praised the agency for ensuring governments received timely and updated data when it mattered most.
“The most advanced surveillance system in the world cannot succeed if information is not shared in a rapid manner. And I have to commend CARPHA in this regard for sharing information in such a rapid manner. And I’m speaking, of course, of the Ebola threat, and that information is being shared quickly and updated, and we are grateful for that as a government.”
Regional Director at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr Yoran Grant-Greene, also praised CARPHA for its impact in assisting governments and populations in improving their readiness.
“The 72 hours after the activation of the most recent Ebola outbreak affecting Central and East Africa, the tourism health information system was highlighted as a potential detection mechanism for monitoring travel health in these evolving times. These are concrete examples of CARPHA’s innovation, resourcefulness, and impact.”
Minister Bodoe also commended CARPHA’s broader leadership in developing regional systems to detect and respond to threats early.
“I want to take a moment to commend CARPHA’s leadership and continued commitment to the development of a regional integrated early warning surveillance system and innovative suite of digital integrated surveillance tools and mechanisms, laboratory and workforce development for transforming emergency preparedness and response in the Caribbean.”
He also pointed to practical steps already being taken on the ground.
“Only weeks ago, CARPHA facilitated specialised training here in Trinidad and Tobago in the safe transport of infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, bringing together professionals from the agriculture and animal health sectors.”
Dr Bodoe said these efforts are critical as the region works towards stronger, more coordinated systems to respond to future health threats.