• 

  by pltm
• Apr 23, 2018
• 1

(PLTM) - Health Minister, Hon. Ronnie Skelton is encouraging residents to strengthen their defense against vaccine preventable diseases, as the Territory joins the Americas in celebrating Vaccination Week 2018.

This year’s theme is “Strengthen your defense! #GetVax #VaccinesWork”.

In his message, Hon. Skelton said Vaccination Week has been a key driver in the Americas and the Caribbean, resulting in more than 700 million people being vaccinated against a range of vaccine preventable diseases since 2002.

He said that the Virgin Islands have contributed more than 2,000 vaccinated persons towards this global milestone.

“It is important that we continue to support these initiatives as they provide an opportunity to advocate for continued investment in strong immunisation programmes,” Hon. Skelton said.

He added, “It is also an opportunity to share information and educate the community on the importance of vaccination and its impact on the continued fight against dangerous diseases like measles, polio, and tetanus, among others.”

The Health Minister said that the BVI Expanded Programme on Immunisation continues to strive to improve Public Health through primary healthcare.

He explained that the programme continues to be resolute in eradicating infectious diseases while remaining vigilant in maintaining the elimination of measles and other diseases through the collaborative effort of the individual, the family, and the community in the role of immunisation.

The Minister said that as a Territory, they continue to strive to achieve 100% coverage for all the recommended vaccines.

Vaccination Week is being observed from April 21 to 28 and activities slated for the week are an Open House at the Iris O’Neal, Cane Garden Bay and Road Town Health Centres; Immunization Outreach; Soccer Match and Health Walk on Virgin Gorda; a Cycling Ride-Along Challenge on Anegada; and a Health Fair on Tortola.

-----
Copyright 2023 by Virgin Islands Platinum News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.