Port-of-Spain, 7 December 2024 (PAHO): The PAHO/WHO Trinidad and Tobago Country Office (PAHO/WHO TTO) participated in the “We Ting” Community Caravan, contributing to the initiative’s goals of fostering social cohesion, youth empowerment, and community health. The Caravan, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport and Community Development (MSCD), travelled to various locations in Trinidad and Tobago, engaging diverse groups through a series of workshops and activities.
The Caravan was a collaborative effort that also involved multiple UN agencies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The involvement of these organizations underscored the importance of a united approach to community development and health promotion.
Over eight weeks, the Caravan engaged persons from a range of backgrounds including the youth, the elderly, women, and persons from underserved communities through gaming matches, talent competitions, fashion shows, and community dialogues.
PAHO/WHO’s participation focused on health promotion for both communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Printed materials on communicable diseases such as Hansen’s disease, dengue, measles, HPV, immunization, and insect vector reduction were distributed to the public.
Additionally, an engaging, interactive health education activity, featuring a spinning wheel game, addressed non-communicable diseases. Participants spun the wheel to select health-related categories and answered questions in those areas. Correct answers earned prizes, creating an enjoyable and educational experience. This combined approach not only educated participants on important health topics but also made learning fun and memorable.
The PAHO/WHO TTO participated in two of the outreach activities during the Caravan. The first was the activity held in Chaguanas, Central Trinidad, where PAHO/WHO partnered with the North Central Regional Health Authority. This collaboration provided attendees with health screenings conducted by nurses. Additionally, doctors were available for consultations as needed, ensuring that participants received necessary medical advice and care.
The PAHO/WHO TTO also participated in the activity in Port of Spain, North Trinidad and partnered with the North West Regional Health Authority which administered free influenza vaccines to the public.
The PAHO/WHO team enjoyed interacting with the public, providing valuable health information, and supporting the community outreach efforts. The initiative successfully brought health services directly to the community, promoting wellness and preventive care.
Through its involvement in the UNDP Caravan, PAHO/WHO Trinidad and Tobago demonstrated its commitment to improving community health and fostering a collaborative approach to public health education and services.
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