Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands,4th November 2024-The Ministry of Health and Human Services (MOHHS) of Turks and Caicos Islands and the Pan American Health Organization/World American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) completed a strategic risk assessment workshop which assisted in the review of the Health All Hazard Response Plan.
The workshop, which was held on 21-25 October 2024, assessed health sector preparedness for health emergencies and disasters, identified the most critical risks facing the health sector, and reviewed the All Hazard Response Plan based on the identified risks. The event was attended by MOHHS departments including the Health Emergency Management Unit, National Public health Laboratory, National Epidemiology and Research Unit (NERU), Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit (HPAU), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Turks and Caicos Islands Hospitals, Infection Prevention and Control Focal Points for the Ministry and TCI Hospital, Domestic Fire and Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment.
The Strategic Tool for Assessing Risks (STAR) offers a comprehensive approach to enable national and subnational governments to rapidly conduct a strategic and evidence-based assessment of public health risks for planning and prioritization of health emergency preparedness and disaster risk management activities.
The negative consequences of any emergencies or disasters including that of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities and countries have continued to highlight the importance of the all-hazards risk management approach in all emergency preparedness and response actions. Such a risk management approach builds on multi-sectorial collaboration and whole-of-society action to ensure inclusive and non-discriminatory process of developing capacities in the communities.
A risk management approach requires the assessment of risks to guide actions, inform planning and provide evidence to strategies and policies for better prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, which are critical to whole of society actions for emergencies and disasters. Periodic assessment of risks also ensures early detection and early actions, which allow communities and other stakeholders to be operationally ready for timely and effective response. Risk assessment is recognized as one of the core elements of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The recent passage of Hurricane Oscar assisted in the rich discussions held during the workshop on health sector preparedness. Director of Health Emergency Management Unit indicated that "It is very important for the Turks and Caicos to be in a state of readiness for all hazards, this week’s workshop allowed responders to identify the potential hazards for TCI and reviewed our All Hazard Response Plan.”
Facilitators for this workshop were PAHO Advisor, Health Emergencies (Caribbean), Lealou Reballos and Miss Charlene Higgs, Director of Health Disaster, Education and Training of the Health Emergency Management Unit.
