In a historic transfer to strengthen its healthcare system, Guyana’s Ministry of Well being formally launched the nation’s first Nationwide Influenza Vaccine Programme on Friday, starting on the Eccles Well being Centre. The initiative goals to cut back the unfold of influenza, shield weak populations, and improve nationwide well being safety.
The vaccine shall be administered yearly to precedence teams, together with pregnant girls, youngsters beneath 15, the aged, and healthcare employees. Minister of Well being, Dr. Frank Anthony, mentioned Guyana procured 15,000 doses for this 12 months, that are set to run out inside 12 months. The flu season in Guyana usually runs from August by the top of the 12 months.
Registered Nurse/Midwife Tenisha Hope was the primary individual to obtain the vaccine, marking the official rollout. “This second marks a significant step in strengthening our healthcare system, defending our most weak, and aligning Guyana with international greatest practices in illness prevention,” Dr. Anthony mentioned.
Highlighting the worldwide burden of influenza, Dr. Anthony famous that the illness impacts about one billion individuals worldwide yearly, with three to 5 million growing extreme sickness and as much as 650,000 deaths every year, based on the World Well being Group (WHO). “Influenza is an acute viral respiratory illness, primarily brought on by influenza A and B viruses. The virus modifications yearly, which is why annual vaccination is important,” he defined.
Dr. Anthony additionally emphasised Guyana’s progress in influenza surveillance, together with participation within the WHO FluNet reporting system and contributing viral samples to tell the formulation of vaccines. “We’ve already despatched samples from Guyana that have been used to formulate this 12 months’s vaccine, which means Guyana is actively contributing to the worldwide battle in opposition to influenza,” he mentioned.
The Well being Minister reassured the general public of the vaccine’s security, noting that negative effects are usually gentle, reminiscent of slight fever or soreness on the injection web site, and pressured that the advantages far outweigh any minor discomfort.
Dr. Garoma Denbeli, Well being Methods and Companies Advisor for PAHO/WHO, praised Guyana’s initiative, noting that influenza is very contagious however preventable. He reiterated PAHO/WHO’s assist for the nationwide rollout of the vaccination programme.
Dr. Anthony described the initiative as “not simply one other well being programme,” however a complete step to strengthen healthcare, safeguard weak populations, and save lives.
