(OECS Direct Relief Project: Building Resilient Communities through Integrated Public Health Strategies)
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Direct Relief, is hosting a Vector Control and Public Health Workshop under the theme “Building Resilient Communities: Integrating Public Health Strategies for Vector Control, Epidemiological Surveillance, and Disease Prevention.”
The workshop, taking place at the Harrison Centre, brings together public health professionals, environmental officers, and community health workers to strengthen national capacity for vector-borne disease control and surveillance.
The sessions focus on practical approaches to integrated vector management, public health education, and community engagement. Participants are also being exposed to the use of surveillance tools, data collection systems, and strategies for early detection and response to vector-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
Present at the opening ceremony were Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Hon. Michael Joseph; Permanent Secretary Stacey Gregg-Paige; Chief Health Inspector Sharon Martin; and Deputy Chief Health Inspector Daryl Spencer.
In his remarks, Minister Joseph commended the partnership between the OECS Direct Relief, stating that “this workshop represents an important step in strengthening our capacity to respond effectively to the growing threat of vector-borne diseases. By building knowledge and collaboration at all levels, we are safeguarding not only our communities but also the health security of our nation.”
This initiative forms part of the OECS Direct Relief Project, which aims to enhance the resilience of health systems across the region by improving preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the face of climate-sensitive health threats.
Officials from the Ministry expressed appreciation to the OECS Direct Relief for their continued partnership and commitment to supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s public health priorities.
