March 13th, 2024 - The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands -The Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) partnered with the Ministry of Health, in their respective countries, host Communications Trainings for EPI Nurses.
The two-day workshop began with a virtual training by Ms. Lauren Vulanovic, Consultant, Comprehensive Immunization Special Program (CIM) at PAHO/WHO. Entitled Communicating about Vaccination-related Risks, this presentation addressed the importance of discussing risks, the factors that encourage vaccination uptake, and the role of healthcare workers. Nurses from both archipelagic nations attended. Participants were also thanked for their work enhancing their local immunization programmes.
In The Bahamas, PAHO/WHO collaborated with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to host two in-person training sessions for EPI nurses. The focus was on vulnerable populations and equity, particularly with a lens on women and migrants. A total of 39 nurses from seven islands (New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Exuma, Abaco, Cat Island and Long Island) were trained. The sessions were very interactive, and the participants were very engaged. During the sessions the participants learnt how to navigate discourse among marginalized communities and participated in practical exercises to enhance their communication and influencing skills.
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, EPI focused on similar themes during their in-person workshop. A total of 32 nurses from five islands (Providenciales, Grand Turk, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, and North Caicos) were trained.
At the conclusion of the training, the EPI nurses were better equipped to effectively engage with their communities about vaccines, address patients’ concerns and promote vaccine acceptance to increase vaccination coverage and improve the health of their countries.
Learn more about increasing vaccination uptake here - Behavioral and social drivers of vaccination: Tools and practical guidance for achieving high uptake https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/354459
