H1N1 Pandemic Influenza Workshop Prepared First Responders

H1N1 Pandemic Influenza Facilitator Dr. Vance Gilbert explaining to participants the difference between a pandemic and a seasonal influenza virus

ZIZ News…May 8 2010 – The St. Kitts and Nevis Red Cross Society concluded the first in a series of workshops to be organised this month on the H1N1 Pandemic Influenza. The workshop is geared at educating and informing the first responders, who are usually community members, on the best practices when dealing with this and future pandemics.

The workshop which is funded by the USAID/OFDA was facilitated by Dr. Vance Gilbert. Dr. Gilbert took the time to explain to the participants the differences between a seasonal influenza and a pandemic. He further explained the best and correct methods in deal with this and future pandemics. Patricia Fahie, project coordinator explained in her opening remarks that we need to be well prepared for this and future pandemics. “With ICC 20/20 cricket, Music Festival and Culturama it is important for us to be ahead of the game and prepare ourselves for any and all possibilities,” Mrs Fahie said.

The participants were from a cross section of the communities and weres made up of Red Cross volunteers, OAS representative, Mr. Starett Greene, Red Cross District Heads and former Red Cross Vice President Mr. Ernest Pistanna. All indications are that the participants were well informed and it is expected that they will take the information learnt back to their communities.

Ms. Sassky Archibald, project coordinator, impressed upon the participants to put the information passed on into practice and spread the word around. Ms. Archibald in her closing remarks said that an education community will be better prepared to handle this and any other potential pandemic.

Mrs. Fahie indicated that there will be more training and workshops throughout the month of May on both islands. She said that there will be workshops organised for churches, youth groups, private companies, security companies and public institutions such as the prison.

The first H1N1 Pandemic Influenza workshop was held at St. Kitts and Nevis Red Cross Society’s Branch Office on Horsford Road.

A small cross section of the participants during the question and answer segment	Ms. Sassky Archibald delivering her closing remarks impressing upon participants to share the knowledge will other community members