(L-R) Dr. Shellon Bovell, Advisor – Health Systems and Services – PAHO/WHO TTO, Marcello D’Agostino, Unit Chief of PAHO’s Information System and Digital Health PAHO/WHO, Cindi Siewdass, Research Assistant – Ministry of Health, Risa Khan, Policy Development Specialist – Ministry of Health, Jesse Bridgelal, Director, Information and Communications Technology Division- Ministry of Health and Lawrence Jaisingh, Director – Health Policy, Research and Planning – Ministry of Health
Port-of-Spain, 21 November 2024 (PAHO) – The follow-up visit by Marcello D’Agostino, Unit Chief of PAHO’s Information System and Digital Health at the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) to Trinidad and Tobago, highlights the critical role technology plays in shaping all facets of our lives, particularly within healthcare systems. His visit emphasized the need to ensure that these systems are secure, efficient, and resilient as they impact the everyday lives of the population who depend on reliable healthcare services for their well-being.
The visit aimed to provide specialized technical support as part of PAHO/WHO’s partnership with the Ministry of Health to enhance the digital health infrastructure and cybersecurity measures in Trinidad and Tobago.
During a pivotal meeting on Thursday, November 21, Mr. D’Agostino engaged with senior representatives of the Ministry of Health to address three key areas: conducting a readiness assessment for artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, providing feedback on the draft Digital Health Policy, and guiding the development of robust cybersecurity processes within the Ministry of Health.
As Trinidad and Tobago continues to advance its digital health transformation , the finalization of a comprehensive Digital Health Policy is key to fostering a seamless and innovative health system. Such a policy will lay the foundation for the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including AI, to create more cohesive and efficient healthcare services for the population.
Additionally, addressing cybersecurity is crucial in an age where health-related data is increasingly digitized. The Ministry aims to build a resilient health sector capable of detecting, mitigating, and responding to cyber threats while protecting sensitive patient information. The PAHO/WHO meeting addressed mechanisms to strengthen this vital aspect, ensuring the continuity of critical health services even in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Through the work of the collaborative team from the Ministry of Health, PAHO/WHO country office and its headquarters in Washington D.C, Trinidad and Tobago is better positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, ensuring that its healthcare system remains trustworthy, secure, and accessible to all.
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