Dominica: PAHO launches vaccination week in Americas

Roseau, Dominica: The Pan American Health Organization launched a vaccination week in the Americas on Monday. It is celebrated as the 20th Anniversary of vaccination week in the Americas. As per statistics, over 1 billion persons have been vaccinated in the region since then.

The achievement was celebrated in Dominica as the team of PAHO, led by Director Carissa F. Etienne, is currently in the country.

The PAHO Delegation and Dominican Health authorities had an interactive symposium on primary health care and non-communicable diseases.

Minister of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment Dr Irving McIntyre stated that the Covid-19 vaccine had been highlighted due to the ongoing pandemic. He said it is an opportunity to catch up on other missed vaccines as well.

"This has become very relevant due to the fact that vaccination numbers have dropped due to the pandemic. This was due to repositioning of Health care workers as well as the limitations posed by social distancing and restrictive measures," said Dr McIntyre.

"It is for this reason that we must participate to ensure that the gains we have made in eliminating diseases such as rubella, measles and polio are not lost," he further added.

He also encouraged everyone to act responsibly and get themselves vaccinated.

"We are fully aware of the importance that primary health care plays in the transformation of any health care system and mitigating the effects of NCDs," said Health Minister.

Furthermore, he also talked about non-communicable diseases, and which also pose a major threat to Dominica's socio and economic development as a small island developing state.

"It must be a multi-sectoral effort involving all ministries with community involvement to recognize the benefits for our citizens," said Irving McIntyre.

Besides this, the PAHO experts had extended discussions with the Minister and the digital team from the Ministry of public works. The future looks bright for further integration of primary and secondary health care in Dominica.