THE REGION'S medical and health sectors stand to be improved significantly as a result of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. Chairperson of the Medical, Health and Anti-Doping Directorate, Dr. Marion Bullock DuCasse, says that while certain measures are being put in place for the event, the legacy of such initiatives will redound to the Caribbean's long-term benefit. Speaking after the directorate's third meeting in Barbados recently, she noted that while most of the discussions are "very relevant for Cricket World Cup 2007, there will be a true legacy in terms of the improvement and strengthening of health-sector surveillance and response systems." Dr. Bullock DuCasse stressed the importance of ensuring that visitors and residents in the Caribbean remain in good health during the cricketing showpiece in March and April 2007, and outlined plans for up-to-date monitoring in this regard. Regarding the imminent establishment of the Regional Anti-Doping Organisation for the Caribbean, she noted this "will facilitate the work of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 and will assist smaller territories which are not able to establish their own National Anti-doping Organisations." At least two doping-control officers will be trained for each host venue nation, she added. A CRUCIAL 'FIRST' The Forensic Science Centre, now being set up on the outskirts of Bridgetown, Barbados, is also likely to play a pivotal role if it comes on stream in time for the 16-team tournament and could be a crucial 'first'. "If approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), this will be the first site in the region where doping-control testing will be done to WADA standards," Dr. Bullock DuCasse said. Next year, the directorate's activity increases as it joins forces with the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) for training in all nine host venues on Mass Casualty Management and Incident Command Systems. Security forces, national emergency-management organisations, health staff and other key members of the response set-up will be involved in the training exercises. Reprinted from jamaica-gleaner