Assessing the Health Security Responsiveness of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago: The Zika and COVID-19 Outbreaks

Abstract

This article examines the response of the Caribbean Public Health Agency and the government of Trinidad and Tobago against the Zika and COVID-19 outbreaks. These contrasting diseases were chosen to examine the surveillance systems and responses and the preventative public health measures that were implemented to protect the population. Health experts were interviewed and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the Caribbean Public Health Agency and the government of Trinidad and Tobago were prepared to respond to the Zika outbreak. However, there is much to be improved in the case of COVID-19. Concrete policy recommendations are discussed.