TCI Builds Regional Resilience with Advanced Training in Arbovirus Detection and Surveillance

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 15 April 2025:  In a stride towards enhancing regional health security, the Turks and Caicos Islands proudly hosted a week-long, high-level laboratory training focused on strengthening the diagnostic detection and surveillance of arboviruses. Held from 24 – 28 March 2025, the intensive workshop was facilitated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) under the framework of the 11^th European Development Fund (EDF) Zika Programme. The sessions were conducted under the expert guidance of Nikhella Winter-Reece, an internationally recognised Laboratory Technologist Consultant with the European Union Division of Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control, Laboratory Services and Network.

Launched in 2019, the EDF Zika Programme has become a beacon of hope and progress for the Caribbean, delivering vital support to bolster public health systems against mosquito-borne threats. Through this programme, countries like the TCI continue to benefit from regional expertise, collaborative knowledge exchange, and state-of-the-art practices, which reinforces our collective ability to protect lives and livelihoods.

Participants in the workshop engaged in both theoretical and hands-on practical sessions designed to sharpen laboratory techniques, improve the availability and use of surveillance data, and strengthen multi-country coordination in responding to arboviral outbreaks. This training not only empowered local health professionals but also reaffirmed the TCI’s commitment to the fight against emerging public health threats.

Mosquito-borne illnesses—such as Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Yellow Fever—remain an ongoing global challenge, with over 700 million infections and more than one million deaths reported annually according to the World Health Organisation. These viruses, spread by infected mosquitoes and other arthropods, often flourish in warm weather, making tropical and subtropical regions particularly vulnerable. Infections can range from mild fevers and rashes to more severe complications, underscoring the need for timely detection and effective prevention strategies.

“The battle against arboviral diseases is a shared responsibility,” stated Ms. Arlene Siebs, Director of the National Public Health Laboratory. “Through initiatives like this, we’re not just improving local capacity—we’re building a regional network of skilled professionals who are better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively.”

Commenting on the workshop, Honourable Minister of Health and Human Services Kyle Knowles stated: “The National Public Health Laboratory continues to push the boundaries of diagnostic excellence by embracing cutting-edge technology and fostering strategic partnerships. This training represents a proactive investment in the health and well-being of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands—and by extension, the Caribbean. This workshop underscores the power of regional solidarity and the importance of sustained investment in public health infrastructure. With every training, every test, and every shared lesson, the Caribbean moves one step closer to a healthier, more resilient future. The TCI was happy to host such a critical workshop.”

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