The Ministry of Health and Social Development has described the recently concluded three-day In-country training workshop as being a success.

Some thirty-three (33) participants from various Government departments were trained in the following areas:

Infection control
International Health
Regulations
Case Management
Triage
Taking and shipment of samples
Management of excess mortality

Participants in Training workshop

In addition there was a demonstration and practice session on the use of personal protective equipment. The participants described the workshop as being informative, educational and timely.

Over the past few years, resources to deal with the pandemic flu have increased. The Health Authority of Anguilla (HAA) has two ventilators and a stabilization unit. Between the HAA and private funeral homes there is a greater capacity to handle dead bodies and mass causalities. However most of being prepared for pandemic influenza requires very low-tech interventions such as education, home care, public awareness and health workers’ familiarity with the National Influenza Preparedness Plan.

The highlight of the three-day training session was the simulation exercise for hospital response which summarises the myriad of problems which can occur without effective planning and in the absence of a National Influenza Plan which has been tested and operationalised. It is to this end that the Ministry of Health and Social Development, the Health Authority and its partners are endeavouring to complete the draft National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP) for submission to Executive Council by June 09, as fulfillment of one of the requirements of the International Health Regulations (IHR’s). The Ministry of Health is also in discussion with the Pan American Health Organisation to conduct a tabletop exercise during the course of the year, which would assist in the initial operationalisation of the NIPPP.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development through this medium would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the respective department heads for releasing their staff, and to the staff for their active participation.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development would also like to thank Senior Health Educator, Mrs. Civilla Kentish for her very informative presentation on Risk Communication, the course facilitators, Mrs. Cherrille Franklin, Director of Nursing Services, HAA; Dr James Dobbins (CAREC), Mrs Lealou Rebellos (PAHO) and Country Programme Officer, Ms Katrina Smith for ensuring the workshop was a success.

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