BVI Wins Regional Immunisation Award
The BVI Health Services Authority has won the Henry C. Smith Award for marked improvements in its national immunisation programme, announced at the 39th Caribbean EPI meeting in Trinidad & Tobago. The territory recorded notable increases in key vaccine coverage rates in 2024, including full DTP-HepB-Hib-Polio coverage and a large rise in HPV uptake.
The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has been honoured with the Henry C. Smith Award for outstanding progress in its national immunisation programme, a recognition announced at the 39th Meeting of Managers of the Caribbean Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) held October 7–9 in Trinidad & Tobago.
The regional conference drew delegates from 25 countries across the British West Indies and the Dutch Caribbean, alongside representatives from CARPHA, CARICOM and PAHO/WHO. The award highlights territories that demonstrate the most notable improvements in vaccine coverage and programme performance across the Caribbean.
Accepting the award on behalf of the BVI, Ferrosa Roache, Director of Community Nursing and National EPI Manager, praised the Primary Healthcare team. "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 said.
The award follows significant gains in the BVI's 2024 vaccination coverage rates. Birth dose hepatitis B rose from 85 to 91 percent; the third dose of the combined DTP-HepB-Hib-Polio vaccine increased from 85 to 100 percent; the first dose of MMR rose from 86 to 87.6 percent while the second MMR dose jumped from 73 to 91.9 percent; and HPV vaccine uptake climbed dramatically from 44 to 95 percent.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of BVIHSA, Dr June Samuel, said the recognition underscores the Authority's commitment to high-quality, accessible 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 said.
Director of Primary Healthcare, Dr Natasha Frett, credited health workers and community partners for helping build trust and awareness across the Territory. She said the award belongs to "every member of our Primary Healthcare Team who goes above and beyond to keep our population safe." For residents, the improvements mean stronger protection for newborns, school-age children and adolescents against vaccine-preventable diseases, reduced risk of outbreaks and greater public confidence in preventive services.
BVIHSA said it will continue to strengthen primary healthcare, expand vaccine access and ensure residents benefit from preventive services, while maintaining partnerships that helped drive these gains. The award is a positive indicator for public health in the BVI and will be used to sustain momentum as the Authority works to reach and protect all communities across the Territory.
Primary source: BVI News