Barbados officially launched its Vaccination Week in the Americas 2026 with a church service at St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Bridgetown on Sunday, April 26. The service was attended by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Mr. Wayne Webster, staff from the island’s polyclinics, PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Amalia Del Riego, and members of her team, alongside the congregation.
In his address, Mr. Webster emphasized the critical role of vaccination, describing it as one of the most effective public health measures after clean water and hand washing. He highlighted how vaccines have helped Barbados and the wider Caribbean eliminate diseases such as measles and polio, while reducing the burden of diphtheria and whooping cough. He warned against complacency and vaccine hesitancy, noting the decline in vaccination rates, and urged renewed efforts to increase coverage.
This year’s theme, “Your decision makes a difference. Immunization for all,” calls on the public to make informed choices based on accurate information. Mr. Webster explained that the week’s outreach activities would include polyclinics, nurseries, preschools, and primary schools to identify children who missed vaccinations, while also offering tetanus and flu vaccines to vulnerable groups such as the elderly.
During her sermon, Rev. Merlene Lucas acknowledged the Ministry’s responsibility for safeguarding national health. She encouraged citizens to act selflessly and care for one another, while urging health workers to continue serving with compassion, love, and empathy.
