The Caribbean Public Health Agency has completed a four-day training workshop in Antigua and Barbuda to strengthen the country’s ability to monitor pesticides and respond to environmental health threats.
The PAHO-funded programme trained national officers in developing a pesticide monitoring plan, sampling techniques, and safely shipping environmental samples for analysis.
CARPHA Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar says better surveillance will reduce human exposure to contaminated food, water and air, while Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Terri-Ann Joseph notes the effort improves protection for people, plants and animals.
The new monitoring system is expected to enhance early warning of contamination, support safer agriculture, and bolster the country’s readiness for climate-related hazards such as flooding.
