Bvihsa Wins Regional Immunisation Award
The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has been presented with the Henry C. Smith Award for the most improved national immunisation programme. The accolade was handed over at the Thirty-ninth Meeting of Managers of the Caribbean Expanded Program on Immunisation in Trinidad and Tobago.
The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has been honoured with the Henry C. Smith Award, recognising the Territory’s marked improvement in national immunisation coverage. The award was presented during the Thirty-ninth Meeting of Managers of the Caribbean Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI), held October 7–9, 2025 at the Hilton Hotel in Trinidad and Tobago.
The regional meeting brought together 40 participants from 25 countries and territories across the British West Indies and the Dutch Caribbean, including representatives from ministries of health, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and PAHO/WHO.
The British Virgin Islands was represented by Mrs Ferrosa Roache, Director of Community Nursing and National EPI Manager, who accepted the award on behalf of the Territory and the BVIHSA. In a press release, Mrs Roache said: “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 wellbeing of our people.” She added that the recognition “demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.” The Henry C.
Smith Award is presented annually to the country or territory demonstrating the most significant improvement in its national immunisation programme. According to the BVIHSA, the Territory earned this distinction following remarkable increases in national vaccination coverage rates for 2024, signalling sustained progress in childhood and routine immunisation efforts.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the BVIHSA, Dr June M. Samuel, commended the Primary Healthcare Team for the accomplishment: “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.
We are proud of their dedication and the lasting impact of their work.” Director of Primary Healthcare, Dr Natasha D. Frett, praised the collaborative effort behind the gains: “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.
This award belongs to every member of our Primary Healthcare Team who goes above and beyond to keep our population safe.” For BVI residents, the award underscores improved protection against vaccine-preventable diseases and highlights the value of continued support for primary care, outreach initiatives, and community engagement.
BVIHSA officials say focus will remain on maintaining high coverage, strengthening supply chains and surveillance, and expanding public education to sustain these gains. The recognition places the BVI alongside regional peers making measurable advances in immunisation — a positive development for public health and community resilience in the Territory.
Primary source: VINO