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BA 2 Variant Identified in the Turks and Caicos Islands

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#TurksandCaicos, April 29, 2022 – On 29th April 2022, the Ministry of Health and Human Services received the results of sequencing of samples which were sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). Samples were submitted by the National Public Health Laboratory in the TCI as a part of its routine surveillance for variants of COVID-19.

Out of 26 samples submitted for sequencing, 22 results were reported with 20 out of the 22 samples being Omicron BA.2 lineage. The remaining two samples were BA.1 and BA.1.1. Of the BA.2 samples, 16 were from visitors and 4 from residents on the islands of Providenciales, Grand Turk and South Caicos.

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus which causes COVID-19. It has evolved and mutated since the start of the pandemic.  All viruses mutate over time. Through global monitoring by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other public health bodies, variants of the virus have been identified and named. Variants of concern are defined as variants for which there is evidence of an increase in transmissibility (ease of spread), more severe disease (for example, increased hospitalizations or deaths), reduced effectiveness of treatments or vaccines, or diagnostic detection failures. The omicron or BA.1 variant was designated by the WHO as a variant of concern on November 26, 2021. Due to its highly transmissible nature, it caused surges in cases of COVID-19 around the world including the TCI. At this time, it became the predominant strain globally. This variant caused milder illness, resulting in fewer deaths and hospitalisations than the delta variant which had spread across the world earlier.

BA.2 is a subvariant of the omicron variant and is even more transmissible than the original omicron variant. It is highly transmissible meaning that it tends to spread rapidly from person to person. It is not thought to cause severe disease, however, hospitalisations and deaths have been noted in the current surges attributed to this variant. Factors such as vaccination status and prior infection as well as the presence of underlying health conditions have an impact on the severity of illness resulting from infection with this variant as well as outcomes.

Studies have shown that vaccinations and boosters offer strong protection against severe disease and hospitalization due to COVID-19 and its variants. As some studies have shown a waning in the protection offered by vaccines with time, boosters including the second booster have been approved particularly for those who may be vulnerable.

The Ministry of Health would like to use this opportunity to encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 if they have not already done so, and if they have received second dose of the vaccine more than three months ago, to get boosted. For those who are at high risk and who have received the booster dose more than six months previously, a fourth dose is available. COVID-19 vaccines are provided free of cost to all residents of the TCI at all Government Primary Health Care Clinics as well as all private medical facilities. Vaccines are also available for children from 5 years and older. Please contact your health care provider so that you can get your shot.

The Ministry of Health continues to encourage persons to:

  1. Wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  2. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
  3. Maintain social distancing of 6 feet between persons
  4. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or use disposable tissues
  5. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 which include cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, fever, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell-please stay at home and contact the Health Hotlines on 232 9444 or 333 0911 for guidance
  6. If you are symptomatic, please remain at home and wear a well-fitting mask unless your symptoms get worse such as:
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone in which case please contact 911 immediately
  1. If you have tested positive, please follow the MOH guidance which can be found on https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/guidance/1581-guidance-for-persons-who-testpositive-for-covid-19
  2. GET TESTED-know your status. Testing is free at Ministry of Health testing sites
  3. Refrain from speculation and spreading rumors
  4. Stay informed with the latest information from the Ministry of Health by visiting our website on https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/

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Caribbean News

CARPHA Progresses to Eligibility for the First Disbursement of Pandemic Funding

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Following a landmark Public Signing Ceremony for the Pandemic Fund (PF) Technical Cooperation Agreement (“Reducing the Public Health Impact of Pandemics in the Caribbean through Prevention, Preparedness, and Response” [RG-T4387] Project) on December 14, 2023, in Trinidad, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) continues to progress towards the start of implementation.

 CARPHA fulfilled the IDB’s nine conditions prior to first disbursement, achieving full eligibility on March 15, 2024, and is now eligible for the first disbursement. This milestone achievement in just 3 months after the signing speaks to the commitment of both CARPHA, the Executing Agency, and IDB, the Implementing Entity, toward the regional PF project with the objective of supporting the reduction of the public health impact of pandemics in the Caribbean by building pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (PPR) surveillance & early-warning systems (EWS), laboratory systems and workforce capacity, regionally at CARPHA and in countries.

Since the signing of the Technical Cooperation Agreement and as part of the conditions prior to first disbursement, CARPHA has achieved the following key outputs (i) the development of the PF Project Operations Manual, Multi-annual Execution Plan, Procurement Plan, Financial Plan, Procedure for CARPHA’s Financial Reporting System; (ii) vacancy announcements for two tranches of consultants with the subsequent hiring of five (Technical Coordinator, Financial Specialist, Procurement Specialist, Operations Officer and Project Operations Coordinator) and (iii) the establishment of the Project Execution Unit (PEU) and Project Execution Steering Committee (PESC). The dedicated PEU will be responsible for execution according to its planned timelines, which will be led by the Dr. Lisa Indar, the Project Director (CARPHA’s Director of Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control Division).

 CARPHA, as the lead regional public health agency and an expression of Caribbean Cooperation in Health is mandated by its Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) to support its 26 CARPHA Member States (CMS) in bolstering national systems and coordinating regional response to public health threats. The Agency works closely with regional and international agencies and uses regional mechanisms, surveillance systems, and networks for coordinating its public health response work.

In July 2023, the PF Governing Board announced that CARPHA’s regional entity proposal, entitled ‘Reducing the Public Health Impact of Pandemics in the Caribbean through Strengthened Integrated Early Warning Surveillance, Laboratory Systems and Workforce Development’ was successfully selected for the first round of financing. It was one of only 19 proposals selected from over 300 submissions and the only regional project. The three priority areas in the proposal are: (i) Comprehensive disease surveillance and EWS, (ii) Laboratory systems and (iii) Human resources and public health and community workforce capacity.

This project is expected to begin implementation in March 2024, starting off with a blended onboarding session. A Stakeholder Meeting with countries is tentatively planned for July 2024.

CARPHA remains dedicated to working together with the IDB, CARPHA Member States and the Pandemic Fund to successfully implement the regional proposal geared toward reducing the public health impact of pandemics in the Caribbean.

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Health

Ministry of Health and Human Services Launched Electronic Patient Care Report (Ambpro)

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The Ministry of Health and Human Services proudly announces the successful launch of the Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR), marking a historic milestone in emergency healthcare services. The official unveiling ceremony took place on March 12, 2024 at the Atrium conference room.

In attendance were distinguished dignitaries, including  Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Honourable Jamell Robinson; Minister of Health and Human Services, Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm; Minister of Tourism, Environment, Maritime, Culture, Heritage and Religious Affairs, Honourable Josephine Connolly; Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, Honourable Rachel Taylor; the Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Honourable Arlington Musgrove; and the Permanent Secretary of Health, Mrs Desiree Lewis, who recognized the significance of the ePCR system in promoting public health and safety. Their presence underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure and technological advancements to better serve the needs of the population. Thus reaffirming their support for initiatives aimed at improving emergency healthcare services and strengthening the National Emergency Medical Service’s capabilities.

During the launch event, the Minister of Health and Human Services highlighted the transformative impact of the ePCR system on patient care and emergency response efforts. Emphasizing the importance of innovation in healthcare, the Minister expressed gratitude to the dedicated team of professionals who contributed to the development and implementation of the ground breaking technology. The Deputy Premier praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the ePCR system, affirming its potential to revolutionize emergency medical services especially the pre-hospital management of citizens and visitors across the country.

The Director of Emergency Medical Services, Mr. Andy Brijmohansingh, spoke passionately about the importance of embracing technology to advance patient care. “The introduction of the Electronic Patient Care Report marks a new chapter in our commitment to providing high-quality emergency medical services,” said Mr Brijmohansingh. “This innovative system empowers our teams with the tools they need to deliver swift and effective care, while ensuring that patient information is accurately captured and securely shared.”

The Electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) represents a significant advancement in the National Ambulance Service’s mission to deliver efficient and high-quality emergency medical care to citizens across the nation. Developed with cutting-edge technology and meticulous attention to detail, the ePCR system streamlines the documentation process, enhances communication, and ensures the seamless transfer of patient information between emergency responders and healthcare facilities.

The launch of the Electronic Patient Care Report marks a new chapter in the evolution of emergency medical services, promising enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes. With its implementation, the National Emergency Medical Services reaffirms its dedication to providing timely and effective care to individuals in their time of need.

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Caribbean News

Haiti Food Insecurity Rising

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#Haiti#FoodInsecurity, March 25th, 2024 Half of Haiti’s population or nearly 5 million people are classified as food insecure for the period March to June 2024, a projected 50 percent increase up from 45 percent from August 2023 to February 2024. This is according to the Haitian Government in a March 23rd report, as informed by an update from an IPC1 analysis. The factors contributing to the continued decrease in food security, the report says, include the increase of the food basket by 22 percent as of February 2024 and the worsening Violence which disrupts food supply chains.

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