By Tracy Liverpool
Vaccination Week of the Americas 2024 kicked off in Linden with a vibrant launch at the Wismar Riverfront Tarmac.
The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Engage now to protect your future, get Vaxed’, with a special emphasis on advocating for the uptake of the HPV vaccine, a crucial step in the fight against cervical cancer.
Vaccination Week of the Americas is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and increasing immunization rates against vaccine-preventable diseases worldwide.
The launch event in Linden featured a dynamic program comprising presentations and entertainment pieces, all highlighting the paramount importance of immunization.
While the Ministry of Health is steadfast in its commitment to immunization against all vaccine-preventable diseases, particular attention is being paid to vaccination against cervical cancer, a prevalent illness among women.
Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Director General of the Ministry of Health, reassured the public of the safety and availability of the HPV vaccine nationwide.
Dr. Mahadeo emphasized the vaccine’s effectiveness and urged parents to ensure their children receive it, as it is a crucial preventive measure.
In a significant development, Dr. Mahadeo announced the implementation of Telemedicine to monitor vaccine coverage in remote communities, further enhancing healthcare accessibility.
PAHO’s representative, Dr. Janice Woolford, underscored the importance of immunization as a priority program globally.
Dr. Woolford highlighted the significant impact of vaccines in preventing mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases, emphasizing the critical role of vaccination in public health.
With a specific focus on combating cervical cancer through HPV vaccination, Dr. Woolford urged individuals to prioritize obtaining the HPV vaccine, emphasizing its role in saving lives.
Health workers in Linden received accolades for their efforts in maintaining high vaccine coverage and were encouraged to continue their commendable work, striving for further improvements.
As Vaccination Week unfolds from April 20-27, intensified efforts, including outreach programs, will be conducted to promote immunization and ensure widespread access to vaccines throughout the region.