This past week (2-6 October, 2017) the MOHAHS received consultants from Public Health England (PHE) to assist and provide support to the Public Health team in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria. Through this visit, plans are being made to address immediate, medium and long term needs for additional support in relation to supplies, developing action plans and capacity building using novel techniques.
Dr. Thomas Waite has been working with the National Epidemiology and Research Unit (NERU) in the Turks and Caicos Islands to strengthen existing disease surveillance and identify immediate additional needs as well as future planning. He has met with key stakeholders focusing on building capacity to rapidly identify clusters of gastroenteritis and vector borne disease because the risks of these are higher after natural disasters.
Dr. Waite is a Medical Epidemiologist with the Extreme Events and Health Protection Team at (PHE), the focal point for evidence-based health protection advice for planning, response and recovery from extreme weather events and other natural hazards. He has extensive experience responding to incidents and outbreaks in the UK, Africa and south-east Asia.
Alexander Vaux, a Medical Entomologist at Public Health England focusing particularly on the ecology of mosquitoes also visited the TCI. The medical entomology group at PHE is responsible for advising government on the public health risks from endemic and emerging vector-borne diseases in the UK and abroad. During his stay in TCI, he worked closely with the Environmental Health Department, particularly the vector control unit, visiting the islands and conducting a needs assessment.
Alex has nine years of experience in the medical entomology team and advises on invasive mosquitoes. He has worked extensively in the Caribbean, providing training and developing mosquito surveillance and control plans with Environmental Health and vector control teams across the region.
Dr Autilia Newton, a Consultant in Communicable Disease Control with PHE and a specialist in Infectious Disease, has also joined the Ministry of Health team and will provide additional technical assistance over the coming weeks.
The Ministry of Health Agriculture and Human Services is grateful to the team at PHE for providing assistance at this critical time. Additional details of this visit will be provided in subsequent Press Releases as the Ministry keeps the public informed of new developments.
