19 March 2025 (PAHO) –The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) successfully hosted a virtual Peer Educator Training Workshop as part of its ongoing technical cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MOHHS) of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).
This initiative underscored PAHO/WHO’s commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage by strengthening health promotion and education, particularly among youth. The training was for master trainers from the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Ministry of Education and Non-Governmental Organizations, who would then be equipped to train peer educators with essential knowledge and skills to promote healthy behaviors and support their communities in making informed health decisions.
Participants engaged in a comprehensive curriculum covering Nutrition, Mental Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), and Digital Literacy - important topics to individual well-being and the broader public health goals for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The workshop was highly successful, achieving its intended objectives with robust and spirited engagement from participants. During the opening remarks for the one-day workshop, Dr Anton Best, Advisor in Health Systems and Services, reminded the master trainers of the importance of their roles as community advocates and changemakers and he reinforced the value of capacity building, community engagement, and evidence-based approaches in improving public health outcomes.
Dr Best also expressed that PAHO/WHO remains committed to supporting the Government of TCI in strengthening health systems, promoting equity, and reducing disease burdens. He explained that the training session represents a key step in empowering young leaders to foster health literacy and resilience within their communities.
The presenters from PAHO/WHO who co-facilitated the workshop included Dr Best along with Ms. Sandra Jones, Regional Advisor for HIV, STIs, TB and Viral Hepatitis and Mrs. Tanya McFall-Major, Communication Consultant with the PAHO/WHO Country Office for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mrs. Tamera Howell-Robinson, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Human Services delivered welcome remarks. Dr Camelia Clarke, Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, provided closing remarks on behalf of that Ministry.
PAHO/WHO extends its appreciation to the MOHHS, the Ministry of Education and all participants for their dedication to this initiative. The Organization looks forward to continued collaboration in advancing public health and wellness across TCI.
