BVIHSA wins regional award for outstanding immunisation programme

The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has won the prestigious Henry C. Smith Award for its exceptional improvement in the national immunisation programme, marking a significant milestone for the territory.

The award, which recognises countries and territories that have made the most notable progress in their vaccination efforts, was presented at the 39th Meeting of Managers of the Caribbean Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) held from October 7–9 in Trinidad & Tobago.

The conference brought together delegates from 25 countries across the British West Indies and Dutch Caribbean, along with representatives from CARPHA, CARICOM, and PAHO/WHO.

Accepting the award on behalf of the territory, Director of Community Nursing and National EPI Manager, Ferrosa Roache, commended the Primary Healthcare team for their hard work.

“This achievement is a reflection of the hard work and unwavering dedication of our Primary Healthcare Team – nurses, community health workers, and public health professionals, who continue to protect the health and well-being of our people,” Roache stated. “It demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.”

The BVI earned the award after recording marked increases in its national vaccination coverage rates for 2024. The Birth Dose Hepatitis B vaccination rate rose from 85 to 91 percent, the third dose of DTP-HepB-Hib-Polio from 85 to 100 percent, the first dose of MMR from 86 to 87.6 percent, the second dose of MMR from 73 to 91.9 percent, and the HPV vaccine from 44 to 95 percent.

BVIHSA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr June Samuel, said the recognition underscores the Authority’s commitment to high-quality healthcare. “This recognition reflects the BVIHSA’s unwavering commitment to public health excellence. Our Primary Healthcare Team continues to exemplify the Authority’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality care that protects and uplifts our communities,” she explained.

Director of Primary Healthcare, Dr Natasha Frett, also credited the Territory’s health workers and community partners.

“The success of our immunisation programme is the result of collective effort — from our dedicated nurses in clinics across the territory to our community partners who help build trust and awareness,” Frett said. “This award belongs to every member of our Primary Healthcare Team who goes above and beyond to keep our population safe.”

The BVIHSA said it remains committed to strengthening primary healthcare, expanding vaccine access, and ensuring that every resident benefits from preventive health services.