Second from left – Dr. Anthony Lalla – Chair Health Science Technologies Department, centre – Dr. Paul Edward – Advisor Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and Dr. Erica Wheeler – PAHO Representative, right – Dr. Keith Nurse – President COSTAATT, with COSTAATT Medical Laboratory (MLT) students, pictured with their white lab coats.

On April 20th, COSTAATT hosted a COVID-19 testing initiative funded by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in collaboration with Caribbean Med Labs Foundation (CMLF), Medical Research Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (MRFTT), and other partners. The event, hosted at COSTAATT’s Chaguanas Campus, aimed to support the Ministry of Health’s efforts to identify COVID-19 cases at an early stage and implement appropriate measures based on test results.

Over 130 individuals were tested at the event, which was conducted by a team of trained professionals following strict safety protocols. The event provided an ideal opportunity for community members to get tested for COVID-19, contributing to the country’s overall efforts to control the spread of the virus.

The event also facilitated discussions and collaborations. Dr Erica Wheeler, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Dr Paul Edwards PAHO/WHO Advisor held impromptu meetings with Dr Keith Nurse, President of COSTAATT and Dr Anthony Lalla, Chair of COSTAATT’s Health Science Technologies Department, to discuss future collaborations and training opportunities. COSTAATT is committed to working closely with PAHO and other partners to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) students at COSTAATT also had the opportunity to interact with Dr Wheeler and Dr Edwards during a tour of the college’s state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab and natural sciences labs. The PAHO representatives were impressed with the facilities and the dedication of the students and faculty to healthcare and scientific research.

The success of the COVID-19 testing initiative reflects COSTAATT’s ongoing commitment to contribute to the national efforts to combat the pandemic.