The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services in Dominica, with support from the Pan American Health Organization, conducted a two-day capacity-building training for healthcare workers to strengthen immunization services and control vaccine-preventable diseases. The initiative, held during Vaccination Week in the Americas 2026, brought together more than 125 participants, including physicians, nurses, and public health aides from across the country.
The training emphasized the importance of maintaining strong vaccination coverage and improving service delivery. Health officials highlighted that falling below the 95% immunization threshold increases the risk of disease outbreaks, especially in a global context where infectious diseases can easily cross borders. The sessions reinforced the need for vigilance and continuous improvement in immunization efforts.
Technical discussions focused on vaccine safety monitoring, including managing events following immunization, as well as proper cold chain management to ensure vaccines remain effective. Participants also received updates on priority diseases such as measles, influenza, and pneumococcal infections, reflecting growing global concerns over the resurgence of some preventable illnesses.
The program also formed part of broader public health activities, including outreach clinics and awareness campaigns aimed at increasing vaccination uptake. Additional efforts included promoting newly introduced vaccines and strengthening national immunization guidelines, contributing to a more resilient and well-prepared healthcare system in Dominica.
