The One Health Molecular Epidemiology and Genomics (EDGe) Centre was unveiled today.
Also known as EDGe, the Centre is a joint initiative of the ministries of Agriculture and Health, and was established under the TT ONE LAB+ project with financing from the Pandemic Fund.
It is also guided by the One Health approach, which recognises the links between human, animal and environmental health.
According to the Agriculture Ministry, it will strengthen T&T’s ability to detect, investigate and respond to emerging disease threats through improved lab diagnostics, genomic surveillance and epidemiological analysis.
It is also expected to position this country as a regional hub for veterinary diagnostics, disease surveillance and scientific training.
The project will establish a modern Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, including a dedicated rabies laboratory and an antimicrobial resistance surveillance programme.
It will also improve coordination among the Trinidad Public Health Laboratory, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and The University of the West Indies (UWI) through shared governance and common data systems, so that the country can respond to health threats faster and in a more integrated way.
In his remarks, Agrculture Minister Ravi Ratiram said, “Today, we are not simply unveiling a centre. We are strengthening our ability to see threats earlier, understand them more accurately and respond more effectively.”
Professor Christine Carrington will serve as Centre’s Director.
