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Recent outbreaks in the Americas underscore need to urgently address immunization gaps, PAHO Director says    

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3 weeks ago

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Over 66 million vaccine doses to be administered during Vaccination Week in the Americas, including 2.7 million doses of measles-containing vaccine

 

Washington, DC, 24 April 2025 (PAHO) – As countries in the Americas confront outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and yellow fever, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, called for urgent action to address gaps in immunization coverage.

“Over the past five decades, vaccines have saved 154 million lives worldwide, reducing child mortality by 41% in the Americas alone”, the PAHO Director said during a press briefing held today ahead of Vaccination Week in the Americas— a flagship initiative led by PAHO, taking place from April 26 to May 3. However, “our progress against vaccine-preventable diseases needs a strong and lasting commitment to implement the appropriate public health measures.”

Worldwide, confirmed measles cases exceeded 359,000 in 2024. This, combined with gaps in vaccination coverage, have led to localized outbreaks across six countries in the Americas, with 2,313 reported cases so far this year —up from just 215 during the same period in 2024. Three deaths have been confirmed, and another is under investigation.

“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world,” Dr. Barbosa said. “Yet countries have struggled to sustain the recommended 95% coverage of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, which leaves us susceptible to imported cases.”

Progress has been made in recent years. For the first time since 2019, MMR1 coverage increased in 2023, reaching 87% across the Americas. Despite this improvement, there remains a significant gap: 1.4 million children in the Region did not receive any dose of the MMR vaccine that year. Outbreaks have been observed in communities where just 3% to 7% of individuals were susceptible, highlighting the risk posed by even small pockets of low coverage.

During this year’s Vaccination Week in the Americas countries across the Region plan to administer an estimated 66.5 million doses of vaccines, including 2.7 million targeting measles. Now in its 23rd year, the initiative has so far enabled over 1.2 billion people to be vaccinated since its launch in 2003. Under the slogan “Your decision makes the difference. Immunization for all,” countries are mobilizing to reach those at highest risk of missing vaccines, especially children.

In 2025, the Region has also seen an uptick in yellow fever, with four countries reporting 189 cases so far, including 74 deaths, compared to 61 cases and 30 deaths reported during 2024.

To address these outbreaks, PAHO is working with countries to tackle vaccine hesitancy, strengthen routine immunization programs, and expand access to vaccination through the use of microplanning and digital tools such as electronic immunization registries and geographic information systems. These tools help monitor coverage, identify gaps, and “stop the virus in its tracks,” Dr. Barbosa said.

Dr. Barbosa also highlighted the importance of the PAHO Revolving Fund, a pooled procurement mechanism that allows countries in the Americas to access high-quality vaccines at affordable prices. “Without the Fund, countries would pay at least 75% more for the Region’s 13 most common vaccines,” he said.

While Vaccination Week in the Americas “remains a cornerstone of public health in the Region,” Dr. Barbosa emphasized that “immunization does not end with Vaccination Week.”

The Americas has a legacy of leadership in vaccination and disease elimination. The Region was the first to eliminate smallpox in 1974 and polio in 1994, and has also eliminated measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, maternal and neonatal tetanus, and outbreaks of urban yellow fever.

Now, PAHO is supporting countries through its Disease Elimination Initiative, a bold effort to eliminate more than 30 diseases and related conditions by 2030, 11 of which are vaccine preventable.

In 2024, the Region successfully regained its status as free of endemic measles. While this status remains intact, recent outbreaks serve as a reminder of the ongoing risk and the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent the reestablishment of endemic transmission.

“The Region of the Americas is ours to protect,” Dr. Barbosa said. “By working together, throughout vaccination week and beyond, we can build a stronger, safer, and healthier Americas,” the PAHO Director concluded.

Vaccination Week in the Americas

Vaccination Week in the Americas is a regional initiative that aims to promote equity and access to vaccination in all countries of the Region of the Americas. The theme this year, “Your decision makes a difference. Immunization for all,” highlights the urgent need to prevent the spread of life-threatening diseases and keep each one of us, our families, and our communities, safe.

The Regional launch of the week will take place on Monday, 28 April, in Panama. National launches and initiatives will also be held throughout the Region.

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Bahamas News

National Reference Lab being restored and strengthened to ensure quality and reliability of health data and early warnings of health threats

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2 days ago

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May 15, 2025

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By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
 

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas –– In an effort to strengthen the public health system in the country, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Inter-American Development Bank facilitated the signing of an estimated $2 million contract for the National Reference Laboratory.  The contract signing ceremony was held during a press conference at the Ministry of Health and Wellness on Meeting Street on Monday, May 5, 2025.

The agreement was entered into with Scorpio Construction Ltd., following a competitive bidding process.  The project is being carried out in partnership with the IDB for Health System Strengthening.

“Today marks an important milestone for my ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the public health system of The Bahamas,” said Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville.

The reference lab will be located at the former Mortgage Corporation Building on Russell Road in Oakes Field and will provide accessible services in New Providence.  Dr. Darville pointed out that in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, healthcare facilities sustained an estimated $37.7 million in damage.

With construction of new ones, and renovations to healthcare facilities throughout the country, the ministry is focusing on three main areas:
resilience to natural disasters; sustainability and energy efficient design incorporating EDGE “green building” certification; and adequate design for infectious diseases.

Joana Pascual, IDB Group Chief of Operations/The Bahamas underscored the importance of IDB’s support in such undertakings.

“The health programme is an important aspect of the IDB’s portfolio in The Bahamas,” she said.

Through two investment loans, one non-reimbursable grant, and one non-reimbursable technical cooperation totalling approximately $65 million, she said that the bank is pleased to support the Government of The Bahamas and The Ministry of Health.

“Through the Health Systems Strengthening Programme of The Bahamas, we will finance renovations to the National Reference Lab (NRL),” she said.

And added, “While labs are essential to providing diagnostic information — data on the efficacy of treatment plans, indications of improvements in patient outcomes, early warnings of public health threats — the National Reference Lab is the central mechanism for ensuring quality and reliability of those results.”

Signatories to the contract were Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness and representative, Scorpio Construction Ltd.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna

Pictured L-R: Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; and Joana Pascual, IDB Group Chief of Operations, The Bahamas.

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Health

TCI Hospital Kicks Off Nurses Week with Brunch Celebrating Nursing Teams

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1 week ago

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May 9, 2025

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(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, May 9th, 2025): InterHealth Canada—TCI Hospital proudly inaugurated Nurses Week with a delightful brunch for the nursing teams of the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. This spirited event, designed to honour nurses’ incredible contributions, was celebrated on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, and was met with an enthusiastic turnout.

Nurses Week is a special time to acknowledge the dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment that nursing professionals exhibit daily in providing exceptional patient care. The TCI Hospital embraced this occasion with a vibrant and engaging program that brought together nurses from various departments, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie, celebration, and gratitude.

In addition to Nurses Week, the event also recognized the BPSO (Best Practice Spotlight Organization) champions who have played a pivotal role in integrating evidence-based practices into the nursing care delivered at the TCI Hospital.

During the brunch, nurses were treated to a fun-filled program featuring engaging activities. The dynamic schedule included interactive games, opportunities for sharing experiences, and a range of delicious culinary offerings, allowing nurses to relax and connect with colleagues.

In attendance and offering remarks of support of Nurses Week was the Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Kyle Knowles who said, “Today, we have a special occasion to commemorate as we congratulate InterHealth Canada TCI Hospital on their remarkable achievement in transitioning from a Predesignated Best Practice Organization to an official Registered Nurses Association of Ontario Designated Best Practice Spotlight Organization. This is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about the commitment to excellence in nursing practice and patient care that is deeply embedded in the culture of this institution.

Hon. Knowles acknowledged nurses’ vital role in our healthcare system, “You are the backbone of patient care, providing not only medical expertise but also emotional support and comfort to those in need. Your compassion and dedication make a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families”.

Also bringing remarks was Nurse Alrisa Gardiner, Primary Health Care Manager within the Ministry of Health and Human Services. She elaborated, “I take this opportunity to first congratulate the TCI hospital on this significant achievement. The quality of care that you provide as nurses has contributed greatly to the success of this new designation as Best Practice Spotlight Organization. You should be proud of yourselves, and if no one else cheers for you, I want you to take this opportunity to stand up across the room and cheer for yourselves. This would not have been possible without you. Stay the course. Even if you move on from TCI Hospital, take your standards and best practices wherever you go”.

In congratulatory remarks, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital, said, “As we celebrate Nurses Week, it’s essential to recognize the hard work and dedication of our nursing teams, from direct patient care to innovative practices in healthcare. The Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital is more than the physical structure but the dedicated and naturally excellent people advancing service excellence and people centred care. The nurses are a part of the life blood of our services and the wider health sector. This brunch is a small token of gratitude for all that they do. It was fantastic to see nurses connecting, celebrating their achievements, and appreciating one another’s efforts; it’s essential for their well-being.”

The kickoff event not only highlighted the importance of the nursing staff but also set a positive tone for the remaining days of Nurses Week. The TCI Hospital aims to continue showing appreciation through its social media platforms throughout the month of May to recognize the commitment and hard work of the nursing teams.

A similar event will be hosted for the nursing teams of the Cockburn Town Medical Centre on May 11th, 2025.

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Bahamas News

MOHW Develops Digital Platform to Properly Monitor Regenerative Therapy

Published

1 week ago

on

May 9, 2025

By

By Lindsay Thompson

Bahamas Information Services

 

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas -The system for the implementation of the Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Act, 2024 was officially introduced locally and internationally on April 28, 2025.

The Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville foreshadowed the move at the 2025 HEALinc Future Innovation Summit opening ceremony on Sunday, April 27, at Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island.

Referred to as LAR-TA, it is an on-line portal and digital platform designed to ensure that all approved longevity and regenerative therapies acceptable to patients in The Bahamas are properly vetted for safety and scientific merit, and that these therapies are delivered within a closely monitored ethical framework.

“The LAR-TA system has been developed to ensure that patients are properly consented, that the studies and therapies are ethically approved, meaning they have Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval that follow-up data from patients receiving cutting-edge therapies are properly tracked and regularly reviewed for safety and efficacy,” said Dr. Darville.

The new Act also establishes a Longevity and Regenerative Therapy Board that will encourage medical tourism, as well as the advancement of translational medicine locally and globally.

The board will develop the framework to attract top-tier bio-tech companies that will create jobs and other economic benefits and will ensure that stem cell therapies, gene therapies and other promising regenerative therapies accessible in The Bahamas are approved and properly monitored.

The 2025 HEALinc Global Summit ran April 27-29 under the theme: “New Opportunities in Healthy Longevity and Regenerative Medicine”.

The Summit opened with the “big picture” idea of embracing more connected perspectives on the restoration of “whole-person” health and life enhancement.

It featured more than 30 speakers who discussed topics such as precision medicine, gene therapy, and health longevity. It also explored the intersection of advanced longevity, regenerative medicine, and technology focusing on the mind-soul-spirit consciousness.

This unique convergence also highlighted the innovations and insights necessary to restore and sustain whole-person health, bridging science and spirituality to redefine the future of well-being.

The summit unites world leading scientists, innovators, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and medical professionals with a mission to empower individuals in health management and future shaping.

HEALinc, challenges norms, fostering innovative methods and connecting patients with resources for enhanced quality of life. Its focus is on safe, efficient solutions for longevity and regeneration.

Dr. Darville thanked Bahamian Dr. Desirée Cox, CEO and Founder of  HEALinc and her team for organizing and bringing together industry leaders and scientists to the Fifth Annual HEALinc Global Summit in paradise.

“Your work embraces the spirit of collaboration and continues to reshape our understanding of ageing, wellness and recovery,” he said.

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