The Ministry of Health extends its gratitude to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for providing a cold chain expert to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the vaccine cold chain system and operations in Antigua and Barbuda.
According to a Ministry of Health press release, the assessment, conducted during the week of April 15-19, marks a significant milestone in ensuring the integrity of vaccine storage and distribution within the country.
Led by PAHO Consultant Adama Eric Sawadogo, the assessment was met with resounding success. It provided a crucial opportunity to evaluate and guarantee the appropriate storage of vaccines, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the nation’s immunization efforts. In total, nine health facilities and institutions were visited, including the main healthcare center of Barbuda, covering 6 districts.
“We are immensely grateful to PAHO for their invaluable support in this endeavor,” remarked Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph. “This assessment underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of our citizens. We remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure the highest standards of vaccine storage and distribution.”
During a debriefing session on April 19, ministry officials including the Health Minister deliberated on the findings and discussed potential strategies for further strengthening the cold chain infrastructure. Emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement, the Ministry is committed to fostering ongoing capacity-building initiatives for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, who play pivotal roles in the supply chain and distribution of vaccines across the country.
“Ensuring the integrity of the cold chain is essential for maintaining vaccine potency and safeguarding public health. PAHO remains dedicated to supporting Antigua and Barbuda in strengthening its healthcare systems and achieving optimal health outcomes,” said Dr Gemma Chery, PAHO Country Specialist for Antigua and Barbuda.
The Ministry of Health looks forward to leveraging the insights gained from the assessment to implement targeted interventions that will further bolster Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare infrastructure and contribute to the overall enhancement of public health outcomes.
The week prior to the assessment, PAHO hosted a regional training workshop on cold chain, supply chain operations, and vaccine management in Grenada for member states. Antigua and Barbuda was represented by Nurse Wanda Samuel, Deputy Superintendent of Public Health Nursing, and Sandra Jonas-Margetson, Inventory Manager of the Medical Benefits Scheme.