Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago, 6 November 2026 – Opportunities to further strengthen collaboration between PAHO/WHO and the Division of Health and Wellness, Tobago House of Assembly (THA) were discussed during a high-level meeting between Dr. Gabriel Vivas Francesconi, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Caribbean, and Dr. Faith Brebnor, Deputy Chief Secretary, THA with responsibility for Health and Wellness.
The meeting provided an opportunity to review PAHO/WHO's ongoing partnership with Tobago and consider priorities for future technical cooperation. Discussions focused on strengthening health services, supporting workforce development, advancing digital transformation, and addressing key public health challenges facing the island.
Also present at the meeting were Dr. Delmon Baker, Chief Executive Officer and other senior representatives of the of the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) as well as representatives from the Division. Dr. Jeanine St. Bernard, Acting Chief Medical Officer, and the PAHO/WHO technical expert team from the country office in Trinidad and Tobago participated virtually in the hybrid meeting.
PAHO/WHO presented its Strategic Plan 2026-2031 and the Trinidad and Tobago Biennial Work Plan 2026-2027, highlighting activities implemented in Tobago and potential areas for expanded collaboration.
Among the opportunities discussed were the use of digital health solutions, including electronic medical records and telehealth services, access to professional development opportunities through the PAHO Virtual Campus for Public Health, participation in regional technical training programmes, and the potential inclusion of Tobago in PAHO's Healthy Cities initiative.
The meeting underscored the value of continued partnership between PAHO/WHO, the Division of Health and Wellness, THA and the Tobago Regional Health Authority in advancing equitable, people-centred health services and strengthening Tobago's health system.
Following the discussions, the parties visited Roxborough Hospital, where they met with staff and toured the facility.
Photos courtesy: Division of Health and Wellness, THA
