Castries, St. Lucia, 3 May 2023 (PAHO) - Vaccination drives across St. Lucia were among the activities commemorating the 21st anniversary of Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA).
This year, VWA was recognized across the Americas from April 22nd to 30th. In St. Lucia, the first vaccination drive was held on April 28th, on the grounds of the St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Gros-Islet, followed by several others.
VWA was launched on April 24th when the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs hosted a ceremony at the Bel Jou Hotel.
During the ceremony, Minister of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, the Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste, highlighted the link between vaccination access and strengthening the health care system.
"You have heard many things about Universal Health Coverage over the last few months and I can guarantee you that you have only started hearing about universal health coverage. In the Budget you will hear about the allocations for certain aspects of UHC and I am excited about what is to come. One of the critical components of UHC is access to vaccines which will play a significant role in fostering a strong and resilient primary health care system. Therefore, it is critical to use vaccines as a means of preventing many life-threatening diseases."
Country Program Specialist for PAHO, Reynold Hewitt, reminded the public that vaccinations protect and are a tradition in St. Lucia.
"Our region of the Americas was declared measles free in 2016 but unfortunately, the region now faces new measles outbreaks. St Lucia is familiar with the vaccine used for polio, measles, mumps, and rubella … more recently the COVID vaccine has been added to the vaccine schedule. I urge you all St Lucians and residents, let us all continue our tradition of vaccinating and protecting our children and our citizens. Get up, get out, get vaccinated, each vaccine counts."
National Immunization Manager, Nurse Tecla Jn. Baptiste, described this year’s VWA slogan, "Get-up-to-date #EachVaccineCounts”, as a call for collective action to protect people from vaccine preventable diseases.
“Everyone, everywhere can benefit from vaccination for good health and wellbeing.”
We applaud the contribution and talent of Murkayla Xavier, a high school student who wrote and recited a poem called "Vaccines" (see poem below).
