The Ministry of Health, the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association (T&TMA), and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Trinidad and Tobago Country Office (PAHO/WHO TTO) have successfully concluded the national Hansen’s Disease Continuing Medical Education seminar series, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at strengthening clinical capacity to diagnose and manage Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) across Trinidad and Tobago.
While many may not realise it, Trinidad and Tobago still records approximately 18 adult cases of Leprosy annually. Early detection is critical, as missed diagnoses can lead to progressive, permanent, irreversible disability and disfigurement. This training series is a proactive step to ensure no case goes unnoticed and every patient receives timely, effective care.
Spanning five regions: North West, South West, Eastern, North Central and Tobago, the series provided training for 118 health care practitioners from both public and private sectors between April and July 2025. The format was purposefully interactive, with smaller group sizes, local case studies, and real-time audience engagement using a digital app to monitor and enhance learning. This approach made the sessions both practical and impactful, building on the longstanding work of the Hansen’s Disease Control Unit at the Ministry of Health.
Participant feedback was positive, with many expressing appreciation for the opportunity to learn about a disease they had never encountered firsthand. The technical lead for the series, Dr. Mushtaq Ali Saiyed, Director of the Hansen’s Disease Control Unit at the Ministry of Health, was instrumental in shaping the content and delivery of the sessions. Learning assessments revealed a remarkable improvement in knowledge, with post-lecture questionnaire scores averaging 92%, clear evidence of the training model’s effectiveness in boosting clinical competence.
The closing ceremony featured a keynote address by The Honourable Dr. Rishad Seecheran, Minister in the Ministry of Health, who indicated that “our collaboration with PAHO has been longstanding and impactful, enhancing our ability to respond effectively across all levels of care, from primary healthcare clinics to national public health strategies.” He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the WHO’s goal of achieving Zero Hansen’s Disease by 2030.
The Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association also emphasised its ongoing support for this and similar initiatives that enhance the practice of medicine and encourage clinical excellence.
“This series has been a game-changer,” said Dr. Stephen Nurse-Findlay, PAHO/WHO Advisor. “It’s not just about knowledge, it’s about equipping our healthcare providers to act swiftly and accurately, preventing disability and the stigma associated with Hansen’s Disease.”
This initiative is part of the PAHO Elimination Initiative, which aims to eliminate selected communicable diseases as public health concerns in the Americas by 2030. With enhanced clinical vigilance and continued collaboration, Trinidad and Tobago is well-positioned to meet its elimination target.
