Guyana, Brazil deepen health collaboration with launch of cross-border vaccination initiative

The Governments of Guyana and Brazil, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), today launched Vaccination Week in the Americas with a cross-border vaccination campaign.
Hosted jointly by the Municipality of Bonfim and the town of Lethem, this initiative marks the third such collaboration between the two neighbouring countries in the past five years. The campaign will run from April 26 to May 3, 2025, under the theme “Your Decision Makes a Difference.”
This cross-border effort aims to enhance immunisation coverage and strengthen regional strategies for disease prevention, with a focus on protecting vulnerable populations from vaccine-preventable illnesses. Guyana currently offers a comprehensive immunisation programme that includes vaccines against Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Poliomyelitis, Pneumococcal Infections, Tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae, Diphtheria, and Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), among others.
Speaking at the launch, Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, and emphasised the importance of sustained vaccination efforts in the region.

“We have heard a lot about the importance of vaccines, and if we are still not convinced, then we risk making our efforts in vain. The evidence is clear – vaccination saves lives,” the Minister stated.
While the campaign focuses on all antigens, particular focus is being given to three key vaccines: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), yellow fever, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Dr Anthony noted that Guyana has achieved significant progress, with national MMR and yellow fever coverage both at 99 per cent. Region Nine stands out with 100 per cent MMR coverage and 97 per cent for yellow fever.
Special emphasis was also placed on the HPV vaccine, which plays a crucial role in preventing cervical cancer. Guyana has increased national HPV coverage from 17per cent to 58per cent, with Region Nine already surpassing the WHO’s 90 per cent target at an impressive 92 per cent.
The Minister also announced plans to transition from the quadrivalent to the 9-valent HPV vaccine in 2025, which will offer broader protection to the population.
“This is a bold step forward in preventing HPV-related diseases, and we are grateful for the support from our international partners,” he added.
With rising measles outbreaks in several parts of the world, Dr Anthony said there is an urgent need to boost vaccination coverage. Recent data shows a concerning decline in routine immunisations in some regions, often linked to misinformation or limited access to accurate health information.
“Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools in preventing the spread of measles, therefore we must continue engaging our communities to ensure they understand the importance of immunisation, not just for individual protection, but for public health as a whole,” he said.
The Minister underscored the importance of collaborative action between jurisdictions, particularly for travellers crossing borders.
“Initiatives like this are essential. It’s not enough to act within our borders. By working together, we can ensure that people travelling between our countries are protected and informed.”
Dr Anthony also used the opportunity to highlight broader health collaborations between Guyana and Brazil, including efforts in digital health, infectious and non-communicable diseases, and capacity-building.
Joint projects address diseases such as scabies, tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria, and the development of a Chikungunya vaccine, is currently underway in Brazil.
A notable trilateral partnership between Guyana, PAHO, and Brazil has facilitated training for over 1,700 future nurses through a hybrid programme developed with the University of São Paulo, aimed at boosting human resource capacity in the public health sector.
Improvements in health infrastructure were also spotlighted, particularly in Region Nine. Investments of approximately USD 25 million are underway to upgrade the Lethem Regional Hospital, including the addition of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), emergency services, and advanced diagnostic capabilities like CT scans.
The hospital is also being positioned to serve as a teaching facility, with potential partnerships with Brazilian medical institutions.
“The future of health care in our region is brighter when we work together,” the Minister concluded. “This vaccination initiative is just the beginning of what we can achieve.”
Mayor of Bonfim Municipality, Romualdo Feitosa Silva, welcomed the gathering with a message of unity and shared purpose, celebrating this campaign as a symbol of strong cooperation between neighbouring nations.
“This is an extremely important event that highlights our mutual commitment to the health and well-being of our people,” the Mayor stated.
The vaccination campaign he said will cover communities in Bonfim and surrounding areas, aiming to reach populations across borders with equitable and accessible immunisation services.
“We are committed to supporting and strengthening actions that ensure everyone has access to vaccination,” the Mayor emphasised.
He stressed that vaccination is not only an act of individual protection, but a gesture of collective responsibility and love.
“Each dose administered brings us closer to a safer and healthier future for our communities,” the Mayor affirmed.
The Mayor concluded with a call to action, inviting everyone to participate in the campaign and spread the message of immunisation as a shared civic duty. “Together, through unity and collaboration, we are building a healthier future for all.”
Also, in attendance as part of the Guyanese delegation were Dr Kim Eva Dickson, PAHO/WHO Country Representative for Guyana; Mr Bryan Allicock, Regional Chairman of Region Nine; Dr Cerdel McWatt, Regional Health Officer (RHO); and Dr Ertenisa Hamilton, Director of Family and Primary Health Care Services. They were joined by other senior officials from the Ministry of Health and the PAHO/WHO Guyana Office.