Trinidad and Tobago moves toward eliminating leprosy

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association (T&TMA) and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Trinidad and Tobago Country Office (PAHO/WHO TTO), has wrapped up a national continuing medical education seminar series focused on Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy). The initiative is being hailed as a critical step in strengthening the country’s clinical capacity to diagnose and manage the disease.

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Although largely forgotten by the public, Trinidad and Tobago continues to record an average of 18 adult cases of Hansen’s Disease each year. Health officials stress that early diagnosis is essential, as delayed detection can result in irreversible disability and disfigurement. The new training series was designed to tackle this challenge head-on.

Between April and July 2025, a total of 118 health care professionals from the public and private sectors took part in training sessions held across five regions: North West, South West, Eastern, North Central, and Tobago. The sessions were intentionally interactive, featuring small-group formats, real-life case studies, and a digital engagement app to track learning outcomes and improve retention. The initiative built on the existing work of the Ministry of Health’s Hansen’s Disease Control Unit.

Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees noting that it was their first direct exposure to the clinical aspects of leprosy. The seminar series was technically led by Dr. Mushtaq Ali Saiyed, Director of the Hansen’s Disease Control Unit, who guided the development of the training content. Post-training assessments showed a dramatic increase in knowledge, with participants averaging 92% on follow-up questionnaires—a strong endorsement of the programme’s effectiveness.

The Honourable Dr. Rishad Seecheran, Minister in the Ministry of Health, delivered the keynote address at the series’ closing ceremony. He praised the collaborative effort and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s goal of achieving Zero Hansen’s Disease by 2030.

“Our collaboration with PAHO has been longstanding and impactful, enhancing our ability to respond effectively across all levels of care, from primary healthcare clinics to national public health strategies,” Dr. Seecheran said.

The T&T Medical Association also expressed its continued support for initiatives that improve clinical excellence and elevate the standard of care nationwide.

“This series has been a game-changer,” said Dr. Stephen Nurse-Findlay, PAHO/WHO Advisor. “It’s not just about knowledge, it’s about equipping our healthcare providers to act swiftly and accurately, preventing disability and the stigma associated with Hansen’s Disease.”

The seminar is part of the broader PAHO Elimination Initiative, which targets the eradication of select communicable diseases in the Americas by 2030. With renewed focus, technical training, and multisectoral collaboration, officials say Trinidad and Tobago is now well-positioned to meet its elimination targets.