Health teams in Antigua and Barbuda are participating in an important training workshop titled “Epidemiological and Entomological Surveillance and DHIS2 Fundamentals”, running from August 29 to September 10, 2025. During this two-week initiative in St. John’s, Public Health Officers, Vector Control Officers, and Environmental Health Staff—key surveillance focal points at health facilities and hospitals—are enhancing their abilities in disease and mosquito surveillance. Pan American Health Organization

Participants are gaining hands-on experience in the full data lifecycle: from defining and collecting data, assuring quality, and identifying mosquitoes, to entering information and using dashboards in the DHIS2 platform. The workshop methodology combines interactive lectures, group discussions, practical exercises, and live computer sessions to equip participants with both theoretical and practical competencies. Pan American Health Organization

This training is supported by PAHO in collaboration with the OECS Commission and the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs. Funding comes from the Pandemic Fund for Eastern Caribbean Countries as well as contributions via Direct Relief through the OECS Commission.

Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, stressed the importance of surveillance for early outbreak detection and rapid response. She noted that these sessions allow PAHO to assess the competency of local health staff, identify knowledge gaps, and ensure readiness to protect the population from infectious threats. P