Berbice: Region Six health workers would be targeting market vendors and the many employed by municipalities, local authorities, sawmills, and the rice industry in immunisation exercises scheduled for this week on the occasion of Immunisation Week.
A rally organised by the Williamsburg Health Centre at the Albion Sports Complex was held on Monday to kick off the week of activities in the region. Participants marched from the Williamsburg Health Centre to the Albion Health Centre where a brief ceremony was held. At the event, pupils and students participated in a programme that promoted vaccination and a healthy lifestyle under the theme, “For you, for me and for everyone – get immunised”.
Berbice Regional Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr Vishwa Mahadeo told the gathering that the region is now leading the way in delivering the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. He continues to preach the message of hope against cervical cancer, with the HPV vaccine being the only preventative measure in Guyana. “For those who didn’t get the vaccine, you have to be worried… you have to be worried, because right now in Guyana the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for young women and women that are not-so-young is cervical cancer… so why take the chance?”
The introduction of this vaccine has received its fair share of negative attention, and many have been sceptical about taking it or allowing their daughters to take it. He argued that the government had conducted surveys which revealed that it was necessary to introduce the vaccine.
In Region Six, about 40 per cent of females in the subject age range for this vaccine are yet to be immunised, and health workers are labouring around the clock to reach those interested in protecting themselves.
There were also brief remarks from Regional Chairman David Armogan who underscored the need for the public to guard against diseases by taking advantage of the free treatment offered.
You must be logged in to post a comment.