Dear Editor,
We must always welcome medical inputs from the Government. It is that the Lethem Health Centre got a new ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) to expand vaccination coverage. In fact, when vaccination programmes are unfolding in Guyana, it is most important that people capitalise. Vaccination is a vital aspect of health care, and only recently, the World Health Organisation posted vital statistics regarding it. Under the label, “Immunization coverage,” the WHO, in June of this year noted the following: Only 25 vaccine introductions other than COVID-19 vaccine were reported in 2021; Global coverage dropped from 86% in 2019 to 81% in 2021; An estimated 25 million children under the age of 1 year did not receive basic vaccines, which is the highest number since 2009.
The number of girls not vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) increased by 3.5 million, compared to 2019; and in 2021, the number of completely unvaccinated children increased by 5 million since 2019. Here in Guyana, in terms of logistics, Lethem has to be multi-functional as much as possible, and this medical ATV is a good sign indeed. The details show that the Maternal and Child Health Department of the Lethem Regional Hospital in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) received the new All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), so that it can boost its current expanded vaccination programme. And as I have just stated, vaccination is something that the WHO is very much concerned about. This move was facilitated via the Government of Guyana procuring an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan. The vehicle cost actually ran to the tune of $3 million, but its work will far exceed measurable financial returns.
I note that “This vehicle will be used to continue to provide services for women of reproductive age, neonates and children,” and again, my hope is that ‘vaccination education’ will be embraced by those who are directly affected. Ideally, all women should be up-to-date with their vaccinations before they become pregnant. It is known that approximately 50 percent of all pregnancies are unplanned. This means that it is important to keep women of reproductive age current with immunizations, regardless of whether they are actively trying to conceive. Also, immunizing during pregnancy provides the opportunity to protect both the pregnant woman and her infant, via transplacental transfer of vaccine-induced antibody, during the third trimester of pregnancy, and with the additional benefit of reduced risk of transmission of infection from mother to infant.
In the words of President Irfaan Ali, it is that “Our primary objective is to ensure the lives of all the people of our country be improved. And whatever benefits the coastland must be available for you, and we will ensure you too benefit.” As we know a total of $1 billion has been allocated for the upgrading of health centres across all regions in Guyana. These health centres allow for residents to gain much-needed health services. Region Nine also has the Lethem Regional Hospital which provides more specialised services.
Sincerely,
H. Singh
