Port-of-Spain, 24 February 2025 (PAHO): The Trinidad and Tobago country office hosted the WHO QualityRights Train the Trainer Workshop from February 17 to 21 for over 30 persons working in the field of mental health from the Ministry of Health, the five Regional Health Authorities and NGOs.
All workshop participants were required to complete the WHO online course in Quality Rights and present the completion certificate before registering for the in-person training. The online self-learning module allowed participants to be introduced to the concepts of rights-based mental health care in an interactive way and to complete quizzes to earn their certification.
During the in-person training of trainers’ sessions, participants were exposed to exercises and interactions that helped them to have a stronger appreciation of the rights-based approach to care and delved deeper into topics such as recovery-oriented care, legal capacity, and alternatives to seclusion and restraints. It also focused on building a cohort of trainers who will be like minded and committed to advocating for a rights-based approach to mental health. The hands-on training also equipped participants with the tools to lead future training sessions.
While making opening remarks, Dr. Gabriel Vivas Francesconi, PAHO/WHO Representative for the Trinidad and Tobago country office, reminded all present that recognizing mental health as a fundamental human right is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3). The WHO Quality Rights training promotes services that are aligned with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
He mentioned that sadly, the health system itself can contribute to stigma and discrimination of persons living with mental health conditions and that despite efforts to prioritize de-institutionalization, in some settings, persons are still denied the right to make decisions about their lives and personal affairs.
Dr Vivas encouraged participants to challenge outdated approaches and become catalysts for change within the local health system.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Stephen Boodhram, also delivered remarks at the opening of the workshop. In his address, he underscored the Ministry's commitment to improving public health outcomes and highlighted how the workshop aligns with the broader goals of enhancing mental health services.
Mr. Boodhram's presence at the event underscored the significance of the initiative, reflecting the Ministry's dedication to fostering collaborative efforts and innovative solutions in the healthcare sector.
The plans to provide QualityRights training for mental health staff has been on the agenda the mental health team since the National Mental Health Policy was developed in 2019. The county office was pleased to support the participation of the QualityRights trainers Ms Jasmine Kalha, Program Director and Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Mental Health Law and Policy, Indian Law Society and Dr Claudine Cayetano, PAHO Regional Mental Health Advisor.
This training programme was a crucial step in moving towards the de-institutionalization of mental health services and delivery of a more compassionate and effective mental health system in Trinidad and Tobago. By empowering professionals with the knowledge and skills to uphold human rights, the initiative will ensure that individuals with mental health conditions receive the care and respect they deserve.
Each trainer was challenged to make at least one change at their place of work upon their return including steps to facilitate freedom from violence and coercion for individuals with mental health conditions.
