Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. April 24, 2025. In 2002, following the last endemic measles outbreak in the Americas, the Ministers of Health of the Andean Region proposed a coordinated vaccination effort across national borders to address the outbreak and prevent future occurrences. This flagged the first of the Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) awareness campaign which has grown significantly, with over 40 countries and territories participating each year to raise awareness about the importance of immunisation and to vaccinate their populations.
Vaccination Week in the Americas plays a crucial role in improving public health by promoting widespread immunisation and by addressing the barriers that prevent people from accessing vaccines. It is a testament to the collaborative efforts of countries in the Region to protect their populations from preventable diseases. One of the key achievements of this Week has been the vaccination of more than 1 billion people against a range of diseases since its inception.
Like the Ministers of Health of the Andean Region, only three years ago, in a united show of commitment to regional health security, Ministers of Health from across the Caribbean convened in Nassau, Bahamas, and endorsed the Declaration of Nassau; a pledge to implement evidence-informed strategies aimed at strengthening national immunisation programmes throughout the Region.
Speaking on the Vaccination Week of the Americas, Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director, CARPHA, remarked, “The Caribbean region has long been recognised as a global leader in immunisation. It was the first region in the world to eliminate measles as part of a track record of major public health achievements, including the eradication of smallpox in 1971, polio in 1994, and rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in 2015”. These milestones were made possible by the consistent application of high standards in vaccine delivery, coupled with strong political will and regional solidarity.
Despite this legacy, there are concerns about a recent downward trend in immunisation coverage. Historically, immunisation coverage in the Caribbean has been high, but this has been declining in recent years. This decline has worrying implications for regional health. In a sobering reminder of the risks, the Ministry of Health and Wellness of Belize recently reported its first confirmed cases of measles since 1991 reminding of the need to remain vigilant and sustain high levels of vaccine coverage.
Dr. Indar added, “To preserve community protection, Ministries of Health must continue to prioritise routine immunisation. Ensuring that individuals complete their vaccination schedules promptly, is critical to maintaining immunity and preventing the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases. Health professionals are encouraged to stay alert and to be prepared to respond quickly to any suspected cases”.
In support of these efforts, several CARPHA Member States, with technical cooperation from PAHO/WHO, have been working to strengthen their national immunisation programmes, helping to build more resilient and equitable vaccine systems across the Region. As countries across the Americas, including the Caribbean, observe Vaccination Week from April 26 to May 3, under the theme, “Your decision makes a difference. Immunisation for all”, CARPHA Member States are reminded that immunisation is not only a cornerstone of public health, but also a shared responsibility. By investing in strong immunisation systems today, the Caribbean is safeguarding its future from the threats of tomorrow.
Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to ensure their children are fully vaccinated. All individuals whose immunisations are not up to date are urged to take the necessary steps to complete their vaccination schedules. Adults are also reminded that vaccines are available to protect against several preventable diseases. Let us work together to safeguard the health of our communities.
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