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By Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decline in vaccination rates recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. While some countries have struggled to accelerate vaccination coverage, others have seen a strong rebound.
St. Kitts and Nevis is one of two countries in the Americas and a member of the World Health Organization to have achieved vaccination coverage above pre-pandemic levels in 2023. The other country to receive this honor is Antigua and Barbuda.
The findings were reported by the World Health Organization and UNICEF in a joint report, National Immunization Coverage Assessments.
The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, sent a letter of appreciation to the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, in recognition of the country’s achievements.
In the letter, Dr Barbosa lauded the country’s encouraging results in routine immunization coverage last year, describing it as noble.
Barbosa explained that implementing a solid vaccination program is key to keeping the population healthy, stressing that immunizing children “protects their health and ensures that the economy, workforce and education are not hampered by vaccine-preventable diseases and epidemics.”
“It is important to ensure that all regions achieve good coverage and to identify, through internal analysis, the population groups with the lowest vaccination rates and compliance with the vaccination program,” Barbosa said.
The PAHO Director encouraged continued progress so that the Americas Region can regain global leadership in immunization coverage, maintain the gains made, and advance strategies to eliminate communicable diseases.
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