Recognizing the urgent need to enhance the region’s capacity to tackle public health threats, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has launched an intensive five-day training program aimed at equipping public health professionals with advanced skills in disease surveillance and emergency response. The Caribbean Regional Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (CR-FELTP) – Level II workshop is taking place from February 17-21, 2025, at the Kapok Hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Funded by the Pandemic Fund, with CARPHA serving as the Executing Agency and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as the Implementing Entity, this initiative is part of a broader regional strategy to enhance pandemic preparedness. Eleven professionals from five CARPHA Member States—Bahamas, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos Islands—are participating in specialized training on epidemiology, laboratory science, surveillance, and environmental health. The program includes practical experience with Epi Info, a statistical tool developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for epidemiological analysis.
Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of CARPHA, highlighted the critical need for strengthening regional health systems. “By investing in the development of a skilled public health workforce, we are taking a major step toward ensuring that Caribbean nations can swiftly detect, analyze, and respond to health crises. CARPHA remains committed to enhancing regional resilience against emerging and re-emerging health threats.”
A key aspect of the training is its One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health perspectives to improve disease surveillance and public health coordination. Dr. Laura Lee-Boodram, Head of the CR-FELTP at CARPHA, noted the significance of this initiative. “The CR-FELTP has been instrumental in producing highly trained professionals who play a vital role in regional health security. This training will further enhance national and regional outbreak preparedness, ensuring the Caribbean remains proactive in its response to health emergencies.”
This initiative aligns with the Pandemic Fund’s broader goal of strengthening global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR). Over the course of five days, participants will engage in interactive sessions, data-driven case studies, and real-world scenario exercises designed to refine their ability to manage and mitigate public health threats.
