Castries, St. Lucia, 26 April 2024 (PAHO) - Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) launched in Castries, St. Lucia on April 20th, 2024. Throughout the week which is being recognized from April 20th to 27th, other activities were hosted to commemorate the week in St. Lucia.
The launch of VWA 2024 in Castries was seen as successful by officials of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) staff, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) team and the public.
The opening ceremony was well attended. Remarks were given by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon Belmar George, EPI Manager, Nurse Bernadette Regis-Felix, and Dr. Solange Kobi-Jackson, Immunization Focal Point for the PAHO Office for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Countries (ECC) on behalf of Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and ECC.
Communication campaign materials were introduced and presented in a video display followed by the performance by Ezra D Funmachine a well-known St. Lucian Soca artist and influencer. He entertained the crowd and promoted vaccines and VWA consistently throughout his segment. This was followed by a Soca-cise session led by Susan Clovis-Freitas.
After the official ceremony, attendees strolled among beautifully adorned booths showcasing comprehensive health packages. Health experts were on hand to provide guidance. The booths highlighted various health interventions, including environmental health, dental services, chronic disease management, and health financing under universal health care. Additionally, there was a vaccine lounge with comfortable seating, where the public could receive vaccines and have their vital signs, glucose, and cholesterol checked. To keep young ones entertained, a designated area for coloring and face painting awaited children before and after vaccination.
Church service
On April 21st, public health nurses, Ministry officials and PAHO personnel worshipped at Babonneau Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Among the attendees were Principal Nursing Officer, Mrs. Julietta Frederick-Cassius; EPI Manager, Mrs. Bernadette Felix-Regis; and PAHO staff.
Health Centers tour
Dr. Solange Kobi-Jackson, on behalf of the PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, toured two health centers on April 23rd:, the Anse La Raye Health and Wellness Centre and La Clery Wellness Centre. The tours presented an opportunity for PAHO to be updated on the vaccination programmes at the clinics, view the electronic health information registry, view the cold chain equipment for vaccines, observe nurse/client counselling and clinic operations, vaccine administration and interact with clients. We were delighted to see several young fathers attending the centres with their children, all of whom were ready to have their little ones vaccinated.
Radio and TV interview
As part of the ongoing public education mandate during Vaccination Week in the Americas, a radio and TV interview was arranged for Dr. Solange Kobi-Jackson and EPI Manager, Mrs. Bernadette Felix-Regis. The focus of the interview was to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinations and the effectiveness of vaccines, to educate the public and counteract misinformation. The interview aired on MBC radio station and television on April 24th.
