Building a Healthier Tomorrow. PAHO and Canada’s Joint Public Health Endeavours

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago - May 13, 2025, (PAHO/WHO) - Dr Gabriel Vivas Francesconi, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba paid a courtesy call to the Canadian High Commissioner, His Excellency Michael Callan on May 8, 2025.

This meeting underscored the longstanding partnership between Canada and PAHO, highlighting their shared commitment to improving public health in the region. During their discussion, they explored various areas of cooperation, including women's health, digital transformation in healthcare and gender equality.

Dr Vivas expressed his gratitude for the Government of Canada's support during the recent Vaccination Week in the Americas activities held in Trinidad and Tobago. Both leaders were present at the Vaccination and Health Fair in recognition of Vaccination Week in the Americas on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

The health fair brought together families and community members for a day of vaccination, other health services, education, and fun. Despite intermittent inclement weather, the event drew a steady flow of families, youth, and health-conscious citizens.

The Government of Canada's support extends beyond Vaccination Week, with several activities being funded through grants in 2025. These initiatives include:

• National Self-Assessment of the Expanded Program for Immunization using the PAHO/WHO EPI Monitoring tool.
• Implementation of the newly developed Manual for the surveillance of Events Supposedly Attributable to Vaccines or Immunizations (ESAVI).
• Updating the National Immunization Manual and production of job aides for healthcare workers at the local level (Health Centers).
• Supporting increased awareness on cervical cancer and HPV vaccination through effective communication and health promotion.

These efforts are crucial to enhancing the local public health infrastructure and ensuring that healthcare workers are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to provide optimal care. As we look forward to continuing these collaborative efforts, together, PAHO and the Government of Canada are making significant strides in promoting health and well-being, not just in Trinidad and Tobago but across the Americas.