From past to present: 100 years of public health practice in Trinidad

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to map the chronological achievements of public health, supported by the outlining and discussion of emerging themes.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was doneof data from the published population and vital statistics reports of the Central Statistical Office for the period1953–2006, as well as all available published reports of the Ministry of Health. Data were also collected from the published reports of the Registrar General for the period 1944–52.RESULTS: The study chronologically showed the elimination of hookworm, smallpox, malaria, cholera, typhoid,yellow fever and the vaccine preventable diseases such asmeasles, mumps, rubella, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. In addition, for the first time, the mumpsepidemic of 2000–2003 was identified.CONCLUSION: While much has been achieved over the past 100 years, many challenges lie ahead. Hence a highly trained and skilled public health workforce is required to confront a changing healthcare landscape, epidemics and rising expectations to address key determinants of health.