CARPHA Provides Technical Support for Malaria Intervention in Turks and Caicos Islands

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 17 July 2024: The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) recently concluded a successful mission from 8 – 12 July 2024 to provide critical technical support for malaria intervention in the Turks and Caicos Islands following an imported malaria case identified in May 2024. This visit underscores CARPHA’s commitment to enhancing public health measures and ensuring effective response to vector-borne diseases in the region.

The CARPHA team, comprised of esteemed experts, included:

• Horace Cox, Acting Director Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control at CARPHA
• Rajesh Ragoo, Senior Technical Officer, Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance, Disease Prevention, and Control
• Jenna Indarsingh, CariVecNet Coordination Officer, Vector-Borne Disease Unit

The primary objectives of this intervention were multifaceted, focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects of malaria control and prevention:

1. Theoretical Sessions: Delivered comprehensive training on malaria epidemiology, vector biology, and bionomics to enhance the knowledge base of local health professionals.
2. Field Activities: Conducted extensive fieldwork investigating mosquito breeding sites to detect any potential vectors of malaria parasites and discussed effective vector control measures to mitigate the spread of malaria.
3. Surveillance and Response Review: Supported the review and enhancement of the existing malaria surveillance and response plan, including optimising reporting tools.
4. Diagnosis and Treatment Services: Evaluated access to and quality of malaria diagnosis and treatment services, incorporating quality assurance components to ensure the highest standards of care.
5. Action Plan Development: Assisted in the formulation of action plans aimed at resource mobilisation and community engagement activities to foster a comprehensive and sustainable malaria control strategy.

This collaborative effort between CARPHA and the Ministry of Health and Hunan Services of the Turks and Caicos Islands saw the CARPHA team working closely with the National Epidemiology and Research Unit (NERU), the National Public Health Laboratory, and the Vector Control Unit. The joint initiative aimed to strengthen local capacities and fortify the overall public health response framework against malaria.

Dr. Horace Cox, Acting Director Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control at CARPHA, stated, “Our visit highlights the importance of regional cooperation and technical support in combating vector-borne diseases. By working closely with local health authorities, we aim to enhance their capabilities in malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, ensuring better health outcomes for the community.”

Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer within the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services, commented on the collaboration: “We are grateful for the support provided by CARPHA. This intervention has significantly bolstered our efforts to prevent and control malaria in our islands. The expertise and resources brought in by the CARPHA team have been invaluable in strengthening our public health framework and ensuring our community is well-protected against malaria.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding the public against vector-borne diseases. Through continued collaboration with regional partners like CARPHA, the Ministry is committed to maintaining robust health systems and protecting the well-being of all residents.

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://m.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.