JAMAICA WILL join the rest of the Americas in observing Vaccination Week of the Americas throughout the period April 24 - 30. The Ministry of Health will be using this opportunity to further increase the number of children currently immunised by targeting 28,800 unimmunised children under five years old.
Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, Director of the Family Health Unit, said that the Ministry of Health's plans for the week will have more of an impact this year due to the involvement of all the parishes and the overwhelming support being given by many organisations and individuals.
"This year's celebrations will be bigger and better," Dr. Lewis-Bell said. "Last year the focus was only on six parishes, this year all the parishes will be involved. The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) was also our only sponsor last year, but this year we will be
having UNICEF and many others," said
Dr. Lewis-Bell.
Dr. Lewis-Bell also said that the Week's activities will focus on routine vaccinations to improve coverage, especially in inner-city and rural areas. To this end activities will run throughout the week and the larger health centres will provide daily vaccination. House to house visits, in additions to other community outreaches are also planned for the week.
Among the major outreach activities is the launch of the Week yesterday at the St. Matthews Church Hall in Allman Town. Dr. Lewis-Bell indicated that an inner-city community was considered an ideal location as the Ministry continues to encourage full coverage in all areas. A parish launch for Vaccination Week will also take place in St. James, in addition to a children's concert later in the week at the Cornwall Regional Hospital. A Health Fair will also be held in the Annotto Bay Square.
Jamaica's Vaccination Week's celebration will enjoy the support of PAHO, over 20 non-governmental organisations, Jade Fulton, Miss Jamaica World 2003 and Tanya Stevens, DJ and Dance Hall Diva. They have all contributed in cash and/or kind to the week's celebration.
Vaccination Week of the Americas was first held last year. The idea originated in the Andean region when ministers of health agreed to boost declining vaccination rates. Jamaica was one of the 19 countries that participated in the Week's inaugural celebration. This year for the first time all 35 countries of the Americas will be participating in Vaccination Week of the Americas 2004. PAHO member states today include all 35 countries in the Americas.
