New Health Ministers Welcome PAHO/WHO Collaboration on National Health Priorities in Trinidad and Tobago

Dr Gabriel Vivas Francesconi  -  PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Caribbean Islands, Dr. the Honourable Lackram Bodoe - Minister of Health, Dr. the Honourable Rishad Seecheran - Minister in the Ministry of Health
Ministry of Health - Trinidad and Tobago
Credit

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – May 7, 2025, (PAHO/WHO) The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Trinidad and Tobago Country Office paid a courtesy call to Dr. the Honourable Lackram Bodoe, Minister of Health, and Dr. the Honourable Rishad Seecheran, Minister in the Ministry of Health, to reaffirm its commitment to supporting the country’s health agenda and to present its strategic priorities for continued collaboration.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Asif Ali, Permanent Secretary, and Dr. Roshan Parasram, Chief Medical Officer, along with the full PAHO/WHO technical advisory team.

During the session, PAHO/WHO provided an overview of the organisation, its work in Trinidad and Tobago and outlined proposed areas for future cooperation.

(Seated L to R) Dr Gabriel Vivas Francesconi  -  PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Caribbean Islands, Dr. the Honourable Lackram Bodoe - Minister of Health, Dr. the Honourable Rishad Seecheran - Minister in the Ministry of Health with members of the Executive team of the Ministry of Health and the PAHO/WHO TTO Country Office.(standing)
(Seated L to R) Dr Gabriel Vivas Francesconi  -  PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Caribbean Islands, Dr. the Honourable Lackram Bodoe - Minister of Health, Dr. the Honourable Rishad Seecheran - Minister in the Ministry of Health with members of the Executive team of the Ministry of Health and the PAHO/WHO TTO Country Office.(standing)

The Ministers expressed their appreciation for the presentation and extended thanks to the PAHO/WHO Trinidad and Tobago Country Office for its longstanding technical cooperation and support. They emphasized that the Ministry values PAHO/WHO as a key partner and looks forward to continued close collaboration.

Several of the priorities presented by PAHO/WHO strongly aligned with the Ministry’s areas of focus, particularly in the fields of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health. The Ministers also welcomed the inclusion of digital transformation, telehealth, and artificial intelligence (AI) in the proposed agenda, noting the importance of leveraging innovation to improve health service delivery and access.

Additionally, the Minister expressed satisfaction at Trinidad and Tobago’s position as a leading user of the PAHO Regional Revolving Funds to source vaccines, medicines, and other health technologies, ensuring access to essential supplies at competitive prices.

This introductory meeting marked the ongoing commitment to partnership and a shared vision for advancing public health and achieving universal health coverage in Trinidad and Tobago.