The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) conducted a weeklong national training in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to strengthen the country’s immunization programme following the introduction of three new childhood vaccines—hexavalent (Hexa), pneumococcal conjugate (PCV10), and rotavirus (RV)—in July 2025. The initiative, organized by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment with technical support from PAHO and UNICEF and funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, aimed to ensure the safe and effective delivery of the vaccines and boost community confidence in immunization efforts.
The comprehensive training covered both the new vaccines and existing ones such as Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It emphasized strengthening surveillance for vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly the early detection of rash, fever, and acute flaccid paralysis cases—key to maintaining disease elimination milestones.
A total of 166 healthcare providers from all health districts and four health promotion officers participated in the sessions. Community health staff, including nurses, doctors, and nursing assistants, attended one-day workshops focusing on immunization guidelines, vaccine handling, and disease surveillance. Supervisors and central-level staff took part in two-day sessions focusing on leadership, program management, and monitoring of the new vaccine rollout.
The training is expected to enhance technical expertise in vaccine delivery, improve coordination between immunization and health promotion teams, and strengthen cold chain management and data recording. It also reinforces the country’s efforts to sustain high vaccination coverage and build community trust—particularly in support of cervical cancer elimination goals.
Health officials reaffirmed their commitment to protecting every child through access to life-saving vaccines. PAHO representatives emphasized that vaccines remain one of the most effective public health tools and that continued capacity building is vital to sustain disease elimination and advance universal health coverage. The Ministry of Health expressed its gratitude to PAHO, UNICEF, and Gavi for their ongoing support in safeguarding the health and well-being of the nation’s children.
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