Over twenty frontline healthcare professionals from Dominica’s Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Social Services have significantly enhanced their expertise in preventing and treating Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) following an intensive two-day training session. The workshop, funded by Canada’s Global Affairs Department under the Build Back Equal Initiative, was facilitated by UNFPA, the United Nations agency dedicated to sexual and reproductive health. The training, which commenced on October 20, 2025, aimed to bolster Dominica’s healthcare infrastructure and promote gender equality. Honourable Kent Edwards, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Social Services, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the critical role of international partnerships in strengthening disease prevention, early detection, and effective STI management. He highlighted that addressing STIs extends beyond clinical concerns, intersecting with broader issues such as healthcare access, social stigma, and adolescent health. Thu Trang Nguyen, Second Secretary for Development at Global Affairs Canada, praised Dominica’s leadership in health priorities and underscored the importance of knowledge transfer in building a resilient health system. Jenny Karlsen, Deputy Director of UNFPA’s Caribbean Sub-Regional Office, stressed the need for increased investments in women’s health issues, particularly in addressing menopause-related stigma and misinformation. The event concluded with the presentation of sexual and reproductive health commodities to the Parliamentary Secretary, symbolizing the tangible outcomes of the Build Back Equal Project.
Canada-funded UNFPA workshop enhances frontline healthcare providers in Dominica’s efforts to prevent and control STIs
