From Past to Present: ۱۰۰ Years of Public Health Practice in Trinidad

The aim of this study is to map the chronological achievements of public health over the past ۱۰۰ years in a small island state and to outline emerging themes.A retrospective analysis of data was conducted from the published population and vital statistics reports of the Central Statistical Office for the period of ۱۹۵۳-۲۰۰۶, 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 of ۱۹۴۴-۵۲.The study demonstrated the sequence in which diseases of public health importance were eliminated; these included hookworm, smallpox, malaria, cholera, typhoid, yellow fever and the vaccine preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. In addition, for the first time the mumps epidemic of ۲۰۰۰-۲۰۰۳ was identified.While much has been achieved over the past ۱۰۰ years particularly with regard to infectious diseases, many challenges stand ahead. Hence, a highly trained and skilled PH workforce is required to confront a changing healthcare landscape, epidemics, rising expectations from clients, as well as to tackle key determinants of health.

Keywords:

Public Health practice , Public Health achievements , Old Public Health , New Public Health , evolution of Public Health