Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – October 21, 2025 - To strengthen the national response to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Trinidad and Toabgo, PAHO/WHO, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Health, through its National AIDS Coordinating Committee (NACC), hosted a two training workshops focused on STI management for healthcare professionals and civil society organizations (CSOs).
The comprehensive workshops were each held over a two-day period and provided training for approximately 70 participants, including public health nurses, medical officers, laboratory technicians, health educators, and Civil Society Organisation (CSO) representatives. The initiative aimed to improve STI service delivery in Trinidad and Tobago, especially in communities where access to care and updated clinical guidance has been limited.
The training covered:
- Clinical approaches to STI diagnosis and treatment, based on WHO and PAHO guidelines.
- STI care for special populations, including adolescents and pregnant women.
- Partner notification and surveillance, with a focus on confidentiality and use of data.
- Stigma-free service delivery, promoting inclusive and rights-based care.
- Emergency preparedness, integrating STI services into humanitarian response efforts.
Dr. Stephen Nurse-Findlay, PAHO/WHO Advisor for Communicable Disease Control and Elimination, delivered a presentation on updated WHO recommendations for STI testing and treatment. He emphasized the importance of early screening, integrated care, and the use of rapid diagnostic tools to improve outcomes.
The workshop also introduced a mentorship and coaching framework to support participants in applying their new skills and knowledge in real-world settings. Action plans were developed to guide follow-up training and expand STI services across regions.
For people seeking care, this training can mean better access to accurate, respectful, and timely STI services. Health workers are now better equipped to diagnose and treat infections using the latest international guidelines, while also offering care that is sensitive to patients’ needs and free from stigma. Whether it's a young person, a pregnant woman, or someone from a key population, patients can expect more informed support, improved follow-up, and greater privacy when accessing STI services.
This initiative supports Trinidad and Tobago’s National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS and contributes to broader goals of reducing HIV transmission, eliminating congenital syphilis, and strengthening primary health care.
The project also aligns with PAHO’s Elimination Initiative, which promotes integrated strategies to end communicable diseases as public health threats in the Americas. By investing in the skills of healthcare providers and community partners to strengthen STI services, Trinidad and Tobago is contributing to regional goals for disease elimination and improved health equity. Continued collaboration and follow-up will ensure that the benefits of this training reach patients across the country, helping to build healthier communities for all.
