Port-of-Spain, 10 September 2025 (PAHO) - General practitioners in Curaçao, often the first line of care for patients, are now better equipped to assess and treat patients with mental health conditions, thanks to a collaborative training initiative led by PAHO and local health authorities.
The PAHO/WHO Country Office in Trinidad and Tobago (PAHO/WHO TTO), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Environment & Nature and Klinika Capriles in Curaçao, supported a hands-on training aimed at enhancing the capacity of general practitioners to provide first level of care to patients with mental health conditions and to appropriately refer as needed.
On the opening day, Mrs. Jeanene Constancia-Kook, Policy Director at the Ministry, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration to improve mental health services across the island. Fourteen general practitioners successfully participated in a dynamic three-day workshop based on the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). The sessions were led by Dr. Claudina Cayetano, a certified PAHO/WHO mhGAP trainer, and featured a mix of interactive learning methods including role play, group discussions, clinical vignettes, and pre- and post-assessments, addressing key topics including:
- Introduction to mhGAP
- Essential Care and Practice (ECP)
- Depression
- Suicide
- Psychosis
Participants demonstrated significant improvement in their understanding and confidence across key areas of mental health care as demonstrated by the increased scores in the post-test assessment. Dr. Gabriel Rendon, Medical Director and Psychiatrist at Klinika Capriles, engaged directly with the participants and committed to Klinika Capriles’ providing ongoing consultation and support for the General Practitioners.
The training was accredited by the national body for continuing medical education (CME) credits. Participants were also encouraged to continue their learning by accessing the PAHO Virtual Campus for Public Health, which offers a wide range of relevant courses and resources.
PAHO remains committed to supporting Curaçao and the wider Dutch Caribbean in strengthening mental health services and promoting well-being across communities.
