BRIDGETOWN - In a strategic move to improve vaccination rates, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has unveiled two landmark resources for the Caribbean: The Immunization Manual, Caribbean Template (2026 Edition) and the "In My Hands" multimedia HPV vaccine campaign.
Both publications were recently launched by the PAHO Caribbean Subregional Program Coordination Office at the start of Vaccination Week of the Americas in Guyana. Assistant Director (AD) of PAHO, Dr Rhonda Sealey-Thomas highlighted that countries are strengthening their immunization systems, through the adoption of new tools and guidelines, such as Expanded Programme for Immunization self-assessments and the new Caribbean Immunization Manual to strengthen programme performance.
Despite these important successes, the AD acknowledged that important challenges persist, such as declines in vaccination coverage and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Since November 2024, countries across the Americas have experienced a rise in measles cases. What began as an outbreak in Canada subsequently spread to several countries in Central and South America. It is a serious public health threat and a strong reminder of the importance of safeguarding the progress achieved and of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent illness, death, and broader societal disruption,” Dr. Sealey-Thomas stated.
Trust is critical and remains a priority for PAHO. Dr. Sealey-Thomas noted that sustaining progress will also depend on strengthening community engagement and participation in vaccination efforts, ensuring that trust, awareness, and access are reinforced at every level of society. "When parents hear from a source they trust, and when healthcare workers are confident and informed, uptake improves", she explained.
Dr. Karen Broome, PAHO Advisor for Immunization, urged healthcare workers in the region to use the manual and materials as they were designed specifically for Caribbean realities.
“The manual was produced for National Immunization Programs in the Caribbean. It brings together, in one place, everything related to the Expanded Program on Immunization. It also reflects something we sometimes take for granted - that immunization is not only about children – it is about protection across the life course. It is adolescents receiving HPV vaccines to safeguard their future, pregnant women protecting themselves and their babies, healthcare workers shielded from communicable diseases, and older persons protected in their golden years. This manual helps us to deliver that – consistently,” Dr Broome stated.
The "In My Hands" campaign arrives at a critical juncture. Women in the Caribbean are currently three times more likely to die from cervical cancer than those in North America - a statistic Dr. Broome described as unacceptable for a preventable disease now.
“We have safe, effective vaccines. Vaccinating girls before age 15 offers the strongest protection. And still, too many children across the Caribbean remain unvaccinated… Many parents and caregivers still lack clear, trusted information about the link between HPV and cancer. So, this campaign does something deliberate. It confronts those realities. It affirms that the HPV vaccine supports health and protection of children and adolescents across our region. It dispels myths with clear, accessible messages that HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and prevents cancer,” Dr Broome expressed.
The "In My Hands" campaign is designed for local adaptation and includes:
Radio and video public advertisements
Social media assets
Educational posters for community clinics
Vaccination Week in the Americas, was recognized from 25 April -2 May 2026 under the theme “Your decision makes a difference”