Campaign launched to strengthen vaccination coverage in Guyana, Brazil

…aimed at keeping borders free from vaccine-preventable diseases

The Health Ministries in Guyana and Brazil have launched a joint multi-vaccination campaign titled “D” Day in Bonfim, Brazil aimed at strengthening vaccination policies in national and international border regions and ultimately improving vaccination coverage.
It will also offer services to the general population, regardless of a person’s nationality.
Attending the cross-border event at Fazenda Buritizal Grosso were Region Nine Chairman Brian Allicock, Hinterland Coordinator Michael Gouveia, Consul General of Guyana in Boa Vista Rodger King, Foreign Affairs Technical Consultant Fernanda Manara, Bonfim Vice Mayor Mario Nicacio, and Director of the Epidemiological Surveillance Department of the State of Roraima, Jose Vieira Filho among other officials.

The “D” Day campaign concludes on November 12, targeting people of all ages residing in the town of Lethem and Bonfim. All vaccines that fall under the national immunisation calendar will be offered during the campaign period, with the Human Papilloma Vaccine (HPV) now being extended to adult men and women.
During her remarks, Guyana’s Maternal Child Health Officer, Dr Oneka Scott shared that the Guyana and Brazil collaboration on vaccination dates back to 2002 and both countries’ primary focus has always been one that is aimed at keeping their borders free from vaccine-preventable diseases.
“This year’s Vaccination Week in the Americas was yet another venture, where our two countries demonstrated continued solidarity for this common cause when we united to venerate the launch of a special week of activities with a focus on giving life,” she stated.
She thanked healthcare workers for their continued support and commitment towards all vaccination efforts led by both countries.
Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health, Dr Narine Singh boasted about Guyana’s continued success in its expanded immunisation programme, while pledging the Ministry’s full support in assisting Brazil to increase its vaccination rates.
“The vaccination programme in Guyana is one of our flagship programmes, one that has been attaining over 90 per cent in all antigens, especially in the under-five age group,” the CMO outlined.
He expressed gratitude to the Brazilian health authorities for their continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health over the years, especially during COVID-19 for their assistance in supplying us with personal protective equipment.