Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges has underscored the importance of continued investment in immunization.
Dr. Georges was at the time speaking at a workshop where Primary Healthcare Nurses were provided with essential training to strengthen immunization services across the Territory.
The workshop was conducted by the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO.
It was facilitated by Dr. Karen Broome, Advisor, Immunization for the Caribbean Sub-region at PAHO/WHO, and Dr. Solange Kobi-Jackson, Advisor, Community Health and Life Course for Primary Health Care for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Countries at PAHO/WHO.
Dr. Ronald Georges explained that the training is an investment in the resilience of their healthcare system.
He emphasized that their nurses are at the frontline of immunization efforts, and by equipping them with the latest tools and knowledge, they are ensuring that their communities remain protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.”
The workshop focused on critical areas, including vaccine coverage, disease surveillance, outbreak response, and effective vaccine communication. Participants also engaged in data interpretation and management training, ensuring they can make informed decisions to improve immunization strategies in the BVI.
Director of Primary Healthcare Dr. Natasha Frett, said that Primary healthcare nurses are instrumental in the success of their immunization program.
According to her, this workshop not only enhances their technical skills but also reinforces their role as leaders in public health.