PAHO - Pan American Health Organization

04/14/2025 | News release | Archived content

MOH, T&TMA and PAHO TTO Launch Hansen's Disease Clinical Training Series

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 14 April 2025 (PAHO/WHO) - The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association (T&TMA) and PAHO/WHO Trinidad and Tobago Country Office, successfully launched the first session of the Clinical Management of Hansen's Disease Seminar Series. This inaugural session targeted both private and public sector medical practitioners, including doctors and registered nurses. The workshop series seeks to enhance the knowledge and clinical skills applied to the diagnosis and treatment of Hansen's Disease throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

In January 2025, the Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health, endorsed the 2025 Global Appeal to end discrimination against persons affected by Leprosy. In support of this endorsement, the Ministry of Health, T&TMA, and PAHO/WHO TTO are co-hosting five seminars across different Regional Health Authorities (RHAs), targeting both public and private sector medical practitioners.

The brief formal launch of the series featured remarks from Major Anthony Blake, Chief Executive Officer of the North West Regional Health Authority, Dr. Shiney Isacc from the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association, and Dr. Stephen Nurse-Findlay, Advisor for Communicable Disease Control and Elimination at PAHO/WHO Trinidad and Tobago Country Office.

The seminar session was facilitated by Dr. Mushtaq Ali Saiyed, Senior Medical Resident at the Hansen's Disease Control Unit, Ministry of Health. The agenda was comprehensive and engaging, covering the cause, transmission, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of Hansen's Disease. Participants also delved into the usual and the uncommon clinical features and disabilities associated with the disease. Additionally, clinical vignettes and discussions on leprosy in pregnancy and stigma were presented. Participants were also exposed to the PAHO Elimination Initiative which aims to eradicate more than 30 communicable diseases and related conditions across the Americas by 2030.

Some of the participants of the Clinical Management of Hansen's Disease Seminar Series - North Edition

A highlight of the seminar was the inclusion of 'knowledge checks' throughout the session, via an interactive audience app, which enabled participants to provide real-time feedback via their mobile devices. This app allowed participants to respond to questions and brainstorm ideas making the training highly engaging.

Dr Nurse reviews the real time feedback from participants during the interactive 'knowledge checks'

The analysis of real-life local case studies significantly enriched the session, providing participants with practical insights and a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in diagnosing and treating Hansen's Disease. By examining actual patient scenarios, attendees were able to connect theoretical knowledge with the nuances of real-world applications, fostering a more comprehensive and empathetic approach to patient care.

The more than 30 percent increase in accuracy between the pre-test and the test administered at the end of the seminar justified the need for the nationwide series. Feedback from participants was very positive, with comments such as "very educational and appreciated" and "very informative session."

Eligible attendees of the seminar series will have the opportunity to gain Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits for their participation.

This seminar series is part of the PAHO Elimination Initiative, which aims to eliminate selected communicable diseases by 2030. Hansen's Disease, with its long history in Trinidad and Tobago, is a key target. Equipping medical practitioners to recognize and appropriately treat Hansen's Disease is crucial for its elimination.