Building a Culture of Evidence: Trinidad and Tobago Advances Health Policy Reform

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago - May 5, 2025, (PAHO/WHO) - Trinidad and Tobago has taken a significant step forward in embedding evidence into the policymaking process through the second mission of the WHO-UCL/EPPI-Centre project. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Caribbean Centre for Health Systems Research and Development (CCHSRD), the World Health Organization (WHO), and University College London (UCL), is piloting a global checklist designed to support the institutionalization of Evidence-Informed Policymaking (EIPM).

The mission builds on the findings of a 2024 assessment, which revealed several persistent challenges in the use of evidence for policy decisions across the health and social sectors. These challenges include limited awareness and understanding of EIPM, insufficient capacity and skills, a lack of institutional support, and minimal stakeholder engagement. In response, the MOH and CCHSRD have implemented a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the country's capacity to generate and use evidence systematically and transparently. These initiatives include the development of a National Health Research Agenda, the hosting of annual National Health Research Conferences, and the implementation of capacity-building workshops and fellowship programmes.

A key milestone in this journey was the participatory workshop held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. This workshop brought together policymakers, researchers, and technical experts to reflect on the current state of EIPM in Trinidad and Tobago. The event was officially opened Dr Shelon Bovell, Advisor - Health Systems and Services.

Dr Shellon Bovell, Advisor - Health Systems and Services PAHO/WHO Trinidad and Tobago Country Office delivers Opening Remarks

Mr. Lawrence Jaisingh, Director of Health Policy, Research and Planning at the MOH, reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to evidence-based governance. Also delivering remarks during the opening were Ms. Tanja Kuchenmüller, Unit Head of Evidence to Policy and Impact in the Research for Health Department at the World Health Organization in Geneva, and Professor Donald Simeon, Professor of Biostatistics and Public Health and Director of the Caribbean Centre for Health Systems Research and Development at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. Both speakers emphasized the importance of institutionalizing evidence use in policy processes.

(L_R) Mr. Lawrence Jaisingh - Director of Health Policy, Research and Planning at the MOH, Ms. Tanja Kuchenmüller - Unit Head of Evidence to Policy and Impact in the Research for Health Department at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Professor Donald Simeon - Professor of Biostatistics and Public Health and Director of the Caribbean Centre for Health Systems Research and Development at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.

The workshop agenda was designed to foster engagement and collaborative analysis. Participants reviewed findings from the initial mission, including insights from interviews and focus groups. Professors Sandy Oliver and Mukdarut Bangpan presented these findings, leading to interactive sessions. Participants conducted a SWOT analysis, assessed the current stage of EIPM institutionalization, and proposed next steps across six domains. Professor Donald Simeon facilitated discussions to prioritize actionable strategies for short-, medium-, and long-term implementation.

The outcomes of the workshop will contribute to a comprehensive Situation Analysis Report and a roadmap for strengthening the evidence ecosystem in Trinidad and Tobago. These efforts are expected to raise awareness of existing gaps in evidence use, foster a shared understanding of the role of research in policymaking, and promote collaborative action to institutionalize EIPM practices.

This initiative impacts everyday citizens by improving health service delivery. Institutionalizing evidence in policymaking ensures policies are informed by high-quality data, addressing community needs, reducing inefficiencies, and optimizing resource allocation.

The mission marks a pivotal moment in Trinidad and Tobago's journey toward embedding evidence at the core of public policy. By piloting WHO's institutionalization checklist, the country is not only assessing its current capabilities but also laying the groundwork for sustainable, evidence-informed governance. Continued engagement from stakeholders across sectors will be essential to ensure that the roadmap developed is both actionable and impactful.

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