At the launch of the TTO Elimination Initiative Mission in Trincity, on Wednesday, Minister of Health Dr. Lackram Bodoe informed stakeholders that the programme aims to develop a roadmap for eliminating communicable diseases in the region.
He also took the opportunity to inform that the country still maintains a stock of vaccines in storage, which can be distributed to the population as needed.
“Diseases such as HIV, the STIs, tuberculosis, Hanson’s disease, hepatitis B and cervical cancer continue to present challenges that require focused attention, innovation and renewed commitment. CMO we still have cervical cancer vaccines at the Ministry. So that’s something that we need to look at. We need to roll that out.”
The Pan American Health Organization’s Assistant Director, Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas applauded Trinidad and Tobago on its launch of the health initiative.
“It reflects a national commitment to accelerate disease elimination through a more integrated coordinated and sustainable approach. By aligning your priorities, strengthening collaboration across programmes and addressing common barriers, the road map will help maximize the impact of existing capacities and investments in Trinidad and Tobago.”
The launch was the beginning of a two day PAHO forum to define a roadmap on the elimination of communicable diseases in Trinidad and Tobago.