Mr. Andrico Garland, Chief Medical Technologist at the National Public Health Laboratory attended the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Infectious Substance Transport (IATA) – Train the Trainer Regional Workshop held in Trinidad and Tobago November 25th – 29th 2024.
The workshop aimed to standardize training by equipping local trainers as previously with up-to-date knowledge of regulations, best practices, and effective teaching methodologies. This ensures that training delivered across Member states is consistent and of high quality. Furthermore, the development of a cadre of qualified local trainers will allow for in-country training of a wider cross-section of persons at a country level and more efficient use of resources.
The transfer of Biological Substances is a key component of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulations. The regional IATA- Train the Trainer workshop was necessary to enhance the CARPHA Member States (CMS) capacity to transport Infectious Substances and Biological material safely. Whether it be for referral testing, or the identification of pathogens that member states are unable to test and or need validation.
Overall, the Train-the-Trainer- workshop represented a strategic initiative to build a robust and self-sufficient network of trainers within the Member states, thereby strengthening the capacity for safely shipping infectious substances and enhancing regional Public Health resilience.
Additional areas to which the workshop covered were:
- Safety and Compliance
- Capacity Building and Professional Development
- Crisis Management and Resilience
- Regional Integration and Cooperation
- Public Health and Safety
Commenting on the workshop, Mr. Garland stated “Attending this workshop has provided me with invaluable knowledge on infectious substances; the best practices when it comes to their safe packaging and handling, and the proper documentation for transport. I am honored to have gained this invaluable experience which I will share to certify colleagues so that the TCI will be in a better position to sustainably handle and transport any infectious substance safely, and or respond to any Public Health Emergency”.
