PHILIPSBURG:--- Last week a consultant from PAHO, Dr. Ward Schrooten visited St. Maarten in order to assist the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team (PMT), Public Health Department, and Collective Prevention Services (CPS) from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor with the surveillance system that is used to monitor HIV & AIDS patients. This initiative is part of the EU project titled "Strengthening the Integration of the British and Dutch Overseas Territories in the Regional Response to HIV/AIDS through PANCAP."
During his visit, Dr. Schrooten met with several stakeholders on the island including representatives of the Government, St. Maarten Medical Center, the St. Maarten Laboratory, and various physicians. Based on the information he gathered he will provide recommendations that will assist St. Maarten in deciding on which surveillance system will be the most feasible option. With the advancements in modern technology there are a variety of improved systems that the Ministry is currently exploring.
Once St. Maarten takes a decision on the way forward, the surveillance system will be used to analyze data on the number of new HIV & AIDS infections, the number of people on ARV treatment, and viral load counts among others. This data can then be used for international reporting and developing new ways to tailor our HIV response.
Members of Public Health and Collective Prevention Services also received training by Dr. Schrooten on how to manage databases. The participants received some useful tips that they will begin using in their daily work.
