Charting a Healthier Future - Trinidad and Tobago’s Bold Move to Strengthen Immunization Systems

Port-of-Spain, 16 June 2025 (PAHO) - The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organisation Trinidad and Tobago Country Office (PAHO), implemented a nationwide assessment of its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). This initiative is not just about vaccines, it's about building a healthier, more resilient society for everyone.

At the center of this initiative is PAHO's Performance Monitoring Tool for National EPI Teams, a comprehensive framework that evaluates 13 core components of the immunization program including vaccination technique, verified record keeping as well as vaccine storage and cold chain management. The framework includes both on-site evaluations and a workshop to review performance across predetermined indicators.

Over the past two weeks, assessment teams visited all five Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) and conducted 17 in-depth evaluations, 5 at the sub-national level and 12 local assessments at health centers across four counties:
- St. George West: Diego Martin, Petit Valley, George Street
- St. George East: Arima, La Horquetta, San Rafael
- St. Patrick: Siparia, Cedros, Point Fortin
- Tobago: Scarborough, Les Coteaux, Pembroke

Representatives from the EPI Unit of the Ministry of Health and consultant Jacqueline Charles meet with the team at the Diego Martin Health Centre Consultant Primnath Ritoe ensures the appropriate use of the biohazard sharps container

The five-day National Self-Assessment Workshop brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, RHAs, Tobago House of Assembly as well as members from the National Immunization Technical Working Group (NITAG).

In his opening remarks for the Workshop, Dr Gabriel Vivas Francesconi, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, delivered a powerful message: "Just as pilots rely on a pre-flight checklist to ensure a safe journey, we must rely on evidence and data to guide our policy decisions. You are our pilots-our experts in the field-charting the course for a healthier future." He emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and the ethical responsibility to use data wisely.

Dr Gabriel Vivas Francesconi, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba delivers Opening Remarks at the first day of the Workshop

The workshop generated vibrant discussions and strong engagement from participants, reflecting a shared commitment to improving immunization services. Each day focused on reviewing and scoring specific components of the EPI, informed by the findings from the field. The collaborative spirit and openness to learning were evident throughout the sessions, as teams worked together to identify strengths, address gaps, and propose actionable solutions.

Participants in discussion during the National Self-Assessment Workshop

This initiative will culminate in a final report and a 12-month action plan, outlining priority areas and immediate interventions. These outputs will be presented to the Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago and used to guide the next phase of EPI development.

Trinidad and Tobago's EPI initiative is positioning itself as a model for the Caribbean and beyond. It demonstrates what's possible when data, leadership, and collaboration come together in service of public health.

As the country moves from assessment to implementation, PAHO/WHO remains a committed partner in supporting the journey toward universal immunization coverage and stronger health systems.

Country News

Immunization

Trinidad and Tobago