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National Immunization Week celebrated with mini health fair
A section of the gathering at the East La Penitence Health Centre yesterday during the mini health fair.
As Guyana continues to observe National Immunization Week, yet another event was held as part of the celebration. Yesterday, Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran joined other health workers, residents and students of the East La Penitence area for a mini health fair.
During the event, the gathering was treated to poems, songs and dances all depicting stories of the importance of vaccination.
Delivering the feature address, Dr. Ramsammy said that as Guyana joins the rest of the world in the observances, Guyanese should use the week to celebrate the achievements of the health sector.
“This week we celebrate; we are not just observing as we join the rest of the Americas, observing immunization week, we deserve to celebrate”.
He added that there is much to celebrate given the fact that Guyana now has readily available at least fourteen vaccines for diseases that were among the greatest causes of disability and death in children.
“Our people are being provided with vaccine, that in years gone by were not available so easily and this is important given the fact that children are being immunized at an early stage,” Dr. Ramsammy noted. He however cautioned that while many play their part in getting vaccinated there are still persons who do not appreciate its importance.
“This I think is as a result of not having experienced the fear of polio, small pox, the agony of measles, our grandparents were made to endure these diseases,” the Minister stressed.
He noted that while the health sector has grown in this respect over the years the government will continue in its commitment towards a national vaccination exercise. “We will continue to grow as we take pride in what we have achieved… we have had more than fifty years of experience with vaccines and never have we lagged too far behind,” he stressed. The Minister recalled that there were times when the health sector did not have large coverage, but this did not stop the government from continuing in their vaccination drives countrywide.
“It was during these times that the government decided that no vaccine must be unavailable to children.”
The Minister further lauded the efforts of the health workers who all play a key role, as they are sometimes made to deal with indifference at their work sites but yet do a splendid job.
The public was then urged to play their role in getting themselves and children vaccinated.
“The health workers have done a great job, but partnership is important, there are still a few children, some live in far flung areas, but it is unfortunate that some live right here and yet are not vaccinated”. The health workers don’t mind going to people’s home, because we do have a programme of that nature but it’s your health,” Dr. Ramsammy emphasized.
National Immunization Week is being observed from April 24-30. (Jenelle Carter)
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