Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 27 March 2025 (PAHO/WHO) - Seventy-nine school nurses from the Regional Health Authorities and the Ministry of Education across Trinidad and Tobago recently participated in two, two-day workshops staged by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to provide hands-on training in communicating effectively with clients.
The participants described the sessions as informative and engaging and noted that the workshops fostered a collaborative environment where they could actively share their experiences, ask questions and practice new communication techniques. The high level of interaction and enthusiasm demonstrated underscored the importance and relevance of the training, as they eagerly absorbed the strategies and tools provided to enhance vaccine uptake and combat misinformation. The training precedes Vaccination Week of the Americas which will be held from 26 April to 3 May 2025, under the theme “Your decision makes a difference. Immunization for all”.
In the Caribbean, many countries will focus on improving Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination of children aged 9-14 years old. This is a critical plank in the prevention of cervical cancer which remains a significant threat in the Caribbean subregion. Dr Stephen Nurse-Findlay delivered remarks on behalf of PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Caribbean Islands, Dr. Gabriel Vivas Francesconi. Dr Nurse-Findlay noted that safe and effective vaccines can prevent approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases by targeting the most cancer-causing HPV types.
“Since the initiation of the HPV vaccination program in Trinidad and Tobago in January 2013, over 95,000 doses have been administered, with approximately 17,000 children aged 10 to 14 completing the recommended two-dose schedule in 2019. While this represents a commendable effort, there remains a substantial portion of the population that has yet to be vaccinated, underscoring the need for enhanced outreach and education,” Dr Nurse Findlay underlined.
Grace Sookchand, Manager, Expanded Programme on Immunization, Ministry of Health, noted that the workshop strengthened their collective ability to promote vaccine confidence and uptake. “Healthcare workers are the cornerstone of successful immunization programs. You are the trusted sources of information, the champions who can bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and community understanding. However, we also recognize that healthcare workers, like the public, are susceptible to the challenges of misinformation. This workshop, therefore, aims to equip you with the tools and strategies necessary to effectively communicate the benefits of vaccination, counter misinformation, and build trust within our communities,” she noted.
The participants received a presentation from PAHO Advisor Immunization, Dr Karen Broome, on HPV Vaccine Uptake Across the Region. This was followed by sessions on the Role of Healthcare Workers as Vaccine Champions, Confronting Myths and Reducing Risk Through Conversations, Responding to Vocal Vaccine Deniers and Understanding Communication for Inclusive Behaviour Change, led by Dr Ayanna Alexander, Technical Officer, Health Promotion, Life Course and Determinants at PAHO Trinidad and Tobago, Lisa Bayley, Specialist, Communications for Health Promotion and Ave Le Blanc, Behaviour Change Communications Consultant, both from the PAHO Caribbean Subregional office.
The participants left with a greater understanding of their role as vaccination champions, knowledge on cervical cancer prevention and the ability to add value to their initiatives for vaccination.
