Jamaica and Grenada have been celebrated for his or her excellent achievements in immunization throughout the thirty eighth Caribbean Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Managers’ assembly, held from October 28-30 in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Jamaica was awarded the Henry C. Smith Award for Most Improved Immunization Protection in 2023, whereas Grenada acquired the inaugural Beryl Irons Award for assembly its surveillance targets in 2024 and making important strides in immunization protection in 2023.
The assembly, which targeted on strengthening immunization applications throughout the Caribbean, additionally acknowledged different nations for his or her excellence in illness surveillance. Barbados claimed first place, adopted by St. Kitts and Nevis in second, and Belize in third. These nations have been acknowledged for his or her diligent monitoring and reporting of infectious illnesses of their areas.
Dr. Julia Rowe-Porter, Jamaica’s EPI Supervisor, expressed her satisfaction within the nation’s achievement, highlighting the collective effort of the immunization crew in any respect ranges. “This award is a mirrored image of our crew’s arduous work and dedication to attaining our objective of 95% vaccination protection,” she mentioned. “Whereas we’ve made a outstanding restoration post-pandemic, we’re nonetheless tackling challenges like vaccine hesitancy, and we stay grateful for the help of our companions, particularly the Pan American Well being Group.”
Hannah St. Paul, Grenada’s EPI Supervisor, shared comparable sentiments, praising the dedication of her crew. “This award wouldn’t have been attainable with out the relentless efforts of our EPI crew, together with the unwavering help from our Ministry of Well being,” she mentioned.
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Below the theme “Stronger Collectively: Advancing Immunisation, Eliminating Illness,” the assembly concluded with a communications workshop to debate the significance of public engagement in immunization applications. Dr. Karen Broome, PAHO’s Immunization Advisor, emphasised the numerous progress made in constructing belief with the general public. “We’re seeing the outcomes of our investments in danger communication and group engagement, particularly in reaching essentially the most weak populations. Rebuilding belief is a gradual course of, and we should proceed to be affected person and efficient in our messaging,” she defined.
Dr. Rhonda Sealy, PAHO’s Assistant Director, recommended the Caribbean area for its enhancements in vaccination protection. “In 2022, Polio 3 protection elevated from 90% to 93%, and we almost achieved the worldwide goal of 95% in 2023, reaching 94%. This progress, together with positive aspects in MMR vaccinations, displays the arduous work of our EPI groups and the robust help from well being ministers,” Dr. Sealy acknowledged.
The assembly additionally spotlighted the significance of increasing HPV vaccination efforts to remove cervical most cancers within the Caribbean. Professor Peter Figueroa, Chair of the Caribbean Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (CiTAG), known as for larger efforts in rising HPV vaccine protection and testing. He additionally advocated for prioritizing digital well being options, the creation of supportive laws, and improved funding for EPI applications to make sure their sustainability.
The popularity of Jamaica, Grenada, and different nations on the assembly highlighted the continued dedication to bettering public well being within the Caribbean, as nations work collectively to strengthen their immunization efforts and remove preventable illnesses throughout the area.
