Strengthening Health Sector Resilience: PAHO Hosts Cybersecurity Readiness Workshop in Trinidad and Tobago

Port-of-Spain, 18 September 2025 (PAHO): In a decisive step toward fortifying the digital defenses of the national health system, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Trinidad and Tobago Country Office successfully hosted a Cybersecurity Readiness Workshop aimed at empowering health institutions to assess and enhance their cybersecurity posture.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, from the Ministry of Health's Head Office and Regional Health Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago. The event focused on implementing PAHO's Cybersecurity Readiness Assessments, a strategic framework designed to help institutions identify vulnerabilities, prepare for cyber incidents, and safeguard patient data and service continuity.

In his opening remarks, Dr Gabriel Vivas Francesconi, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dutch Caribbean islands emphasized the urgency of cybersecurity in the health sector, noting that "the opportunities for innovation and improved service delivery are immense. But so too are the risks. Cyber threats are no longer distant possibilities; they are real, evolving, and increasingly targeting critical infrastructure, including healthcare.."

The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Marcelo D' Agostino, - Unit Chief, Information Systems and Digital Health, Department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health with Ms. Myrna Marti,- IS4H Advisor and Coordinator, Digital Literacy Program. It addressed the growing threat of cyberattacks, such as ransomware, data breaches, and compromised medical devices, that can severely disrupt healthcare delivery.

Participants were introduced to two key tools:

1. The Rapid Response Strategy for managing cybersecurity incidents, and
2. The Comprehensive Cybersecurity Readiness and Response Survey, which evaluates institutional preparedness across technical, policy, and awareness dimensions.

The day's agenda featured a mix of presentations and group discussions. Participants worked through real-world scenarios using the assessment tools, shared insights on institutional challenges, and collaborated on drafting initial action plans tailored to their organizational contexts.

A highlight of the workshop was the Implementation Strategy and Action Planning session, where attendees explored how to operationalize the assessments, identify key stakeholders, and prioritize next steps. The interactive format encouraged cross-sector dialogue and fostered a sense of shared responsibility for cybersecurity resilience.

As digital health continues to evolve, initiatives like this workshop underscore the importance of proactive, collaborative approaches to cybersecurity, ensuring that health systems remain safe, secure, and ready to serve.