Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – May 6, 2025, (PAHO/WHO) – On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the C3 Centre in San Fernando came alive with energy and purpose as families and community members participated in a Vaccination and Health Fair. Hosted by the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the PAHO/WHO Trinidad and Tobago Country Office, in collaboration with the Government of Canada, the event was a key feature of Vaccination Week in the Americas 2025, under the theme: "Your decision makes a difference: Immunization for all."
The health fair offered a vibrant mix of health services, education, and all-around fun. Despite intermittent inclement weather, the event was a success, drawing steady flow of families, youth, and health-conscious citizens.
The South-West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) played a major role by providing free health and cancer screenings and administering a wide range of vaccines in recognition of Vaccination Week in the Americas.
Utilising their SWRHA mobile screening bus the staff also offered free pap smears, with support from the Ayanna S. Dyette Foundation, helping to increase access to cervical cancer screening. The SWRHA team also engaged attendees with information on mental wellness and available support services.
Booths from the Ayana S. Dyette Foundation for Cervical Cancer and Soroptimist International Trinidad and Tobago, and the Ministry of Health provided valuable information and services.
Their presence helped ensure that attendees could take immediate steps to protect their health.
The event also featured a festive, family-friendly atmosphere with face painting, a bouncy castle, interactive games, and giveaways, making it enjoyable for all ages.
Dr. Gabriel Vivas Francesconi, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Caribbean Islands, delivered inspiring opening remarks and stated that:" every small step you take — asking a question, getting a vaccine, encouraging someone else — has a ripple effect. When you choose to get vaccinated, you’re not just making a decision for yourself. You’re protecting your children, your parents, your neighbours, and the people you love most."
His Excellency Michael Callan, the Canadian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago also addressed the audience, underscoring Canada’s commitment to health, its support for Vaccination Week in the Americas and the close partnership between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago. He emphasised the theme of VWA25 with his words:" Because when you choose health, you choose hope. When you choose prevention, you choose power and when we all choose together, we create a healthier future for everyone.”
Ms. Grace Sookchand, Manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunization at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the Ministry’s dedication to improving immunization coverage and public awareness and reminded the audience that we must continue to:"Reach the unreached, ensuring that every individual has access to the vaccines they need; Combat misinformation and build trust in vaccines through education and open dialogue and strengthen our health systems to be more resilient and prepared for future challenges.”
The health fair offered more than just information about vaccines, it created a welcoming space for community members to connect with health professionals, ask questions, and access essential services in a supportive environment. From learning about immunization to participating in screenings and wellness activities, attendees were empowered to take meaningful steps toward better health for themselves and their loved ones.
