Lethem, Guyana – 30 April 2025 – In a powerful demonstration of regional cooperation, the Governments of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Brazil, together with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), officially launched the Cross-Border Vaccination Week in the Americas today. The event, hosted jointly by the Municipality of Bonfim, Brazil and the town of Lethem, Guyana, marks the third cross-border vaccination campaign between the two nations in the past five years.
The week-long campaign, commencing from April 26 to May 3 under the theme “Your Decision Makes a Difference,” aims to enhance immunization coverage and strengthen disease prevention efforts among vulnerable populations along the shared border.
Strong Representation and Commitment
Leading the Guyanese delegation were Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health Guyana, Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, PAHO/WHO Country Representative for Guyana; Dr Janice Woolford, Specialist, Family and Community Health, PAHO; Mr. Bryan Allicock, Regional Chairman of Region Nine; Dr. Cerdel McWatt, Regional Health Officer; and Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, Director of Family and Primary Health Care Services. They were accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Health and other PAHO/WHO Guyana Office staff.
Leading the Brazil delegation were Mrs. Marina Certo, Special Advisor for International Affairs at the Ministry of Health, Brazil, Dr. Elisa Prieto, PAHO/WHO Deputy Representative in Brazil, Mrs. Adilma Rosa de Castro Lucena, State Secretary of Roraima, Brazil, Mr. Romualdo Feitosa Silva, Mayor of Bonfim Municipality, Brazil, and Mr. Jader Vieira Gil, Health Secretary of Bonfim Municipality, Brazil.
Dr. Frank Anthony, Guyana’s Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of prioritizing immunization as a core public health strategy. “Vaccination saves lives. We must ensure that every child, especially in border communities, is protected against preventable diseases,” he said, reaffirming Guyana’s ongoing collaboration with Brazil.
Focus on Key Vaccines
While the campaign promotes all routine immunizations, special emphasis is placed on three critical vaccines: Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), yellow fever, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Guyana has made notable progress in delivering vaccinations, achieving 99% national coverage for both MMR and yellow fever vaccines. Region Nine, where the campaign was launched, boasts 100% MMR and 97% yellow fever coverage. Attention is also centered on increasing HPV vaccination rates to prevent cervical cancer. Guyana’s national HPV coverage has risen significantly from 17% to 58%, with Region Nine already surpassing the WHO’s 90% target, by reaching an impressive 92%.
Dr. Anthony also announced plans to transition to the 9-valent HPV vaccine in 2025, expanding protection against additional strains of the virus. “This is a bold step forward in preventing HPV-related diseases, and we are grateful for the support from PAHO,” he stated.
The Minister of Health also raised concerns about declining immunization rates in some parts of the world, driven by misinformation and limited access to accurate health information. He emphasized the urgent need to maintain high coverage to prevent outbreaks, particularly of measle
Celebrating Public Health Achievements
Dr. Kim Eva Dickson commended Guyana’s leadership in public health, noting the country’s elimination of polio, measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, and maternal and neonatal tetanus. She highlighted the establishment of the National Disease Elimination Working Group in October 2023, the first of its kind in the Americas.
“Vaccination remains one of the most effective, safe, and proven public health interventions,” Dr. Dickson stressed. “Guyana’s proactive efforts are setting an example for the region.”
Regional Cooperation and Capacity Building
Dr. Elisa Prieto, PAHO/WHO Deputy Representative in Brazil, highlighted the importance of cross-border vaccination efforts. “Diseases know no borders. That is why initiatives like these are so important. Vaccination is an act of care and a symbol of solidarity, integration and equity. Integrated work is the only possible path to face common threats”, she stated.
In another significant development, Guyana, PAHO, and Brazil have partnered to train over 1,700 future nurses through a hybrid educational programme developed with the University of São Paulo. This initiative aims to strengthen human resources and support sustainable healthcare delivery in both countries.
Looking Ahead
The Cross-Border Vaccination Week underscores the shared commitment of Guyana and Brazil to protect their populations through cooperation and sustained public health investments. As Dr. Anthony aptly concluded, “Our efforts today will determine the health of future generations.”
