Over 50 immunization managers from across the Caribbean have convened in St. Kitts and Nevis for the 38th Caribbean Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Managers’ Meeting.
The meeting brings together health officials from prominent health organisations including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).
The theme for this year’s EPI Managers’ Meeting is “Stronger Together, Advancing Immunization in Eliminating Diseases,” reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the initiative as Caribbean nations strive to enhance immunization efforts and public health outcomes.
The event commenced with an opening address by Curtis Martin, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health. He prompted attendees to reflect on significant questions regarding the health sector’s resilience amid ongoing global challenges.
“Where would our countries be without the expanded programme on immunization? What lessons has the EPI taught us about programme leadership and management? What more can be done now, knowing the threats posed by the climate crisis and antimicrobial resistance, vaccine denial, misinformation, and disinformation?” Mr. Martin asked.
He emphasised the need for a logical framework that encompasses research, policy advice, programme implementation, and continuous evaluation.
The primary aim of this annual forum is to review accomplishments and difficulties encountered over the past year while also planning initiatives for the future.
PS Martin outlined the meeting’s goals, stating, “The purpose of the meeting, of course, is to assess the vaccination coverage rates within the Caribbean sub-region in 2023 to 2024 and to conduct a thorough research of the achievements and gaps in service delivery within the context of the Global Elimination Agenda. This forum provides an opportunity for sharing experiences and best practices between member states.”
An integral part of the meeting is a workshop titled Effective Communication for Vaccine Uptake, scheduled for 30th October. This session will focus on understanding the behavioural and social factors that encourage vaccine acceptance, equipping immunization managers with strategies for risk communication and community engagement.
In his address, Mr. Martin highlighted the vital role of vaccines in preventing diseases and urged healthcare professionals to advocate for vaccination.
“Vaccines prevent communicable diseases and prevent cancer. In a recent landmark study on the contribution of vaccination to improve survival and health published in the Lancet in May 2024, the researchers posited that, and I quote, ‘EPI has provided the single greatest contribution to improve infant survival over the past 50 years’, end of quote. Vaccines are powerful. It’s imperative that healthcare professionals serve as advocates regarding the power of vaccines and vaccinations.”
He concluded with a call to action for health ministries, stressing the importance of strategic planning and measurable goals in promoting vaccination.
“As such, every ministry of health must have a strategic plan, smart goals, and key performance indicators. The task at hand is the inculcation of a culture of high performance in the institutions delivering secondary, post-secondary, long-term, and hospice care.”
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