The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in collaboration with national ministries and international partners, organized a two-day capacity-building workshop in Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as part of Vaccination Week in the Americas 2026. The initiative aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of early childhood educators and preschool teachers in areas related to child health and immunization, with support from UNICEF and Gavi.
Held on 27–28 April 2026, the workshop brought together around 95 participants and covered essential topics for early childhood development and disease prevention. Sessions addressed common childhood illnesses, national vaccination schedules, the importance of lifelong immunization, infection prevention and control, and effective communication with parents. These were delivered by healthcare professionals and specialists from PAHO, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Health.
Participants actively engaged in discussions and practical exercises throughout the training. A key component was a role-play activity that allowed attendees to apply communication strategies with parents and caregivers, reinforcing learning outcomes through real-life scenarios and interactive participation.
PAHO officials emphasized that the workshop highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in promoting immunization, protecting children from preventable diseases, and building trust within communities. The initiative also aligned with ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s immunization program, supported by the introduction of new vaccines and continued international partnership.
