Canada's contribution to help Trinidad and Tobago counter covid19

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the 15 countries in the Caribbean to benefit from the contribution of US$5.3 million by the government of Canada to PAHO to confront covid19 in the region.

Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr Carissa Etienne, confirmed the donation and expressed her appreciation.

In a news release, PAHO's TT country office explained that the collaboration “will support increased access to personal protective equipment and other critical supplies to assist countries in their efforts to save lives and limit the transmission from person to person of the covid19.”

These plans will focus on populations experiencing marginalisation or vulnerability, including health workers.

The office highlighted that the allocation of funds includes training for health care workers and officials and laboratory personnel, strengthening the collection and monitoring of data in the form of equipment and personnel, as well as the implementation of risk communication plans, among other activities.

Canada's contribution builds on a previous allocation of CAN$1.5 million to PAHO earlier this year.

"The funds have been used to acquire laptops for the Ministry of Health TT to support the ability to collect, process, and analyse clinical and epidemiological data related to covid19," the statement added.

The remaining money goes toward training in critical care nursing with the University of the West Indies, and for medical equipment and supplies for isolation facilities.