By Royan Abrams
The conclusion of Vaccination Week activities in Region Six was marked by a spirited walk from Spready’s Bakery in Port Mourant to the UG Tain Campus Tarmac, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of vaccination for maternal and child health.
Led by health workers representing various health institutions across the East Berbice-Corentyne region, the walk drew the participation of dozens of individuals.
Addressing the gathering at the University of Guyana Tain Campus Tarmac, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Advisor to the Minister of Health, underscored Guyana’s progress in combating cervical cancer through aggressive nationwide vaccination efforts.
He expressed optimism about Guyana’s prospects of becoming one of the first countries to eradicate cervical cancer, thanks to these initiatives.
Dr. Ramsammy emphasized that besides cervical cancer, the vaccination campaign also contributes to the prevention of other life-threatening illnesses.
According to Dr. Ramsammy, vaccines are being administered to individuals across various age groups, ranging from nine to 45 years old, targeting both boys and girls.
Dr. Janice Woolford, representing PAHO/WHO, commended the Ministry of Health and the Region Six team for their dedication in maintaining high vaccine coverage in the region.
Regional Health Officer, Dr. Vishalya Sharma, also joined the event, distributing tokens and awards to medical professionals who participated in the march despite the rainy weather.
The walk symbolized the collective effort to promote vaccination and safeguard maternal and child health in the region.