The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs, in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Direct Relief, has launched a pivotal Vector Control and Public Health Workshop. Held at the Harrison Centre, the event is themed ‘Building Resilient Communities: Integrating Public Health Strategies for Vector Control, Epidemiological Surveillance, and Disease Prevention.’ The workshop convenes public health experts, environmental officers, and community health workers to bolster national capabilities in combating vector-borne diseases. Attendees are exploring integrated vector management, public health education, and community engagement, alongside advanced surveillance tools and data collection systems for early detection of diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Key figures at the opening ceremony included Minister of State Hon. Michael Joseph, Permanent Secretary Stacey Gregg-Paige, Chief Health Inspector Sharon Martin, and Deputy Chief Health Inspector Daryl Spencer. Minister Joseph highlighted the workshop’s significance in enhancing the region’s capacity to address vector-borne disease threats, emphasizing the importance of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. This initiative is part of the broader OECS Direct Relief Project, which seeks to strengthen health systems’ resilience across the Caribbean by improving preparedness and response to climate-sensitive health challenges. Ministry officials expressed gratitude to OECS Direct Relief for their ongoing support in advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s public health priorities.
Workshop in Antigua and Barbuda Focuses on Fighting Mosquito-Borne Diseases
