Saint Lucia has strengthened its front-line response to HIV and syphilis with the certification of thirteen healthcare professionals now equipped to deliver rapid testing services across communities island-wide.
Health officials say the initiative marks a significant step forward in improving early detection, expanding access to care, and reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
Linda Berthier, Coordinator of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission programme, said the newly certified professionals completed an intensive and comprehensive training process designed to meet international standards.
“Over the course of this program, we have engaged in rigorous training, knowledge sharing, and practical assessments, all aimed at elevating our standards and ensuring that we meet international benchmarks for HIV and syphilis validation,” Berthier explained.
She described the initiative as one grounded in both technical excellence and compassion.
“This initiative reflects a shared vision, one rooted in the belief that accessible, accurate, and compassionate care is a fundamental right of every individual,” she said.
Berthier also praised those who supported the effort, calling it “a testament to the hard-working and dedicated technologists, healthcare professionals, partners and supporters who unwaveringly commit themselves to inspire us and to lead us.”
Financial Analyst at the Ministry of Health, Anthony Phulgence, told the newly certified professionals that their role extends far beyond testing procedures.
“You have learned not only the technical aspects of the rapid testing, but also the values that guide effective, compassionate, and ethical care,” Phulgence said. “In doing so, you have demonstrated the spirit of service that our health sector deeply cherishes.”
He stressed the life-saving impact of their work.
“This training prepares you to serve in the front lines where early detection saves lives. Accurate testing protects communities, and timely diagnosis can prevent the spread of infections,” Phulgence noted. “The work you do from this point forward will have a direct impact on individuals, families, and entire community.”
Senior Medical Officer in the Infectious Diseases Unit, Dr Gale Gajadhar, highlighted the strain currently faced by the small team responsible for outreach and testing across the island.
“We are a tiny unit with three persons in office and the clinic with four persons at the clinic and that’s minus the doctor,” Dr Gajadhar said, adding that even with the doctor included, staffing remains limited. She explained that demand often exceeds capacity. “When it comes to doing outreach, you would not believe the number of requests we get for outreach, and there are times when Ms Berthier will tell you we actually have to say no because we do not have the bodies on the ground.”
Dr Gajadhar said the addition of the newly trained professionals will significantly expand the programme’s reach.
“With you guys, and you guys are not going to be the only ones because we’re going to be training more people, our one master trainer will now have four companions in the journey, so we’ll have four master trainers,” she explained. “So the 14 people that we have will multiply.”
Health officials say the expansion of trained personnel will allow Saint Lucia to respond more effectively to outreach requests, strengthen prevention efforts, and bring testing services closer to those who need them most.