The Public & Environmental Health Department, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Human Services, is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Assessment and Training Program in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Led by PAHO Consultant Mr. Jose C. Espino, the initiative focused on building the capacity of officers from the Environmental Health Department and the National Public Health Laboratory to assess, manage, and improve indoor environmental conditions across various settings, including residential, commercial, and healthcare facilities.
The training addressed the growing importance of maintaining healthy indoor environments, recognizing that factors such as inadequate ventilation, high humidity, microbial contamination, and chemical pollutants can negatively affect health, comfort, and productivity.
The program included two virtual sessions held on October 14th –15th, followed by three days of fieldwork from October 22nd-24th in Providenciales. Participants engaged in lectures, case studies, and hands-on exercises that strengthened their skills in conducting air quality assessments, identifying indoor pollutants, using monitoring instruments, and preparing clear, evidence-based reports with practical recommendations. Ambient (outdoor air quality) was also discussed, and assessments were conducted in key areas, including communities surrounding the Providenciales landfill and the Howard Hamilton International Airport.
Commenting on this important initiative, Honourable Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services stated that “This initiative marks an important step in enhancing the technical expertise of Environmental Health Officers and Laboratory personnel and supports the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to promoting safe and healthy indoor environments across the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The Environmental Health Department sincerely thanks PAHO/WHO for their continued support and collaboration in strengthening environmental health capacity within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
