Executive Director at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (Carpha) Dr James Hospedales believes the Caribbean is prepared to manage Dengue fever and the Chikungunya virus. He told a recent symposium hosted by Carpha and the Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network (CKLN) that several measures are in place to prevent and control the Chikungunya virus, including providing laboratory diagnosis and regional co-ordination through an incident management team and a regional education awareness programme.
At the symposium, more than 40 participants shared resources and data and explored more effective ways of combatting vector-borne diseases. Using the region’s dedicated research and education network, C@ribNET, clinicians, researchers and healthcare practitioners were able to share their experiences on tackling and managing the two diseases.
Participants were also told how dedicated research and education networks could support and facilitate collaborative work of medical, research and health-related groups and communities. Dr Bernadette Theodore-Gandi, PAHO/WHO representative for T&T, called for research and policy to be translated into action through the sharing of information across all sectors.