The Turks and Caicos Islands leads the English-speaking Caribbean region with the introduction of the VPD-SMART

The Turks and Caicos Islands Primary Health Care Department recently conducted a three-day training workshop on the use of VPD-SMART from 3 - 5 November 2025. 

The training was conducted by Claudia Ortiz and Felipe Aguilera Millacura, consultants from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) in Washington DC and Chile.

VPD-SMART is built on district health information system (DHIS2) which is an open-source software developed and implemented by the health information system platform (HISP) network, a global collaboration between HISP centre and the University of Oslo in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

The VPD-SMART tool was implemented by the Pan American Health Organisation in 2023.  It is a modernised process in epidemiological surveillance for diseases under elimination in the Americas and the Caribbean like measles, rubella, and acute flaccid paralysis.  The tool was introduced to the Caribbean EPI Manager’s group during their 2024 annual meeting.  Following this introduction, the Turks and Caicos expressed their interest in using the tool to improve communicable disease surveillance and reporting.

Ten (10) nurses from the Primary Health Care Department were trained in the use of the VPD-SMART tool from across the TCI.  Each clinic was represented in the first group.  The first part of the training was done virtually over a period of three (3) days.

 The second part was an in-person training which allowed the participants to get hands on practice of the tool.  The objectives of the mission were to analyse and map existing processes to understand data flow, note the strengths and weaknesses of our surveillance system and establish sustainable data processes to implement standardise protocols to ensure data quality, promote long-term system sustainability and facilitate the transition to VPD-SMART.

“PAHO’s visit for this training was significant as it marks the first android-based implementation of VPD-SMART in the Caribbean tailored to the regional needs.  The TCI is the first in the English-speaking Caribbean region to introduce VPD-SMART. 

This gives us the opportunity to assess the usefulness of the tool and determine any challenges to make the introduction as seamless as possible. One of our team members will have the unique opportunity to share their experience with other countries and act as trainers once others decide to implement VPD SMART in their country.

 While the virtual training was good, it had its limitations, and the in-person training was more effective.  We are always seeking innovative ways to make our work more efficient and effective and the introduction of VPD SMART is just another step in modernising our health information system”. Alrisa Gardiner – Primary Health Care Manager.

“The TCI Ministry of Health is proud to be the first in the English-speaking Caribbean to introduce the DHIS2-based VPD-SMART platform. This innovative digital system will significantly strengthen our surveillance and response to vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, rubella, and polio.

“By enabling real-time data collection, analysis, and reporting, VPD-SMART enhances our ability to detect outbreaks early and make evidence-based decisions to protect the health of our people.

 “This marks an important step toward modernising our national health information systems and ensuring a healthier, safer future for all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.” Hon Kyle Knowles - Minister of Health and Human Services.