Life
The Bahamas to introduce HPV vaccine into public healthcare system
“We found out that Merck had immunized the population of females between the ages of 9-27 in a South African country against HPV (the virus that causes cancer of the cervix) with much success and I knew that we have been struggling with the HPV immunization here in The Bahamas as it is currently only available in the private sector I am told,” Dr Gomez said.
“Through that conference, Merck was offering a substantial discount to countries to immunize their children and we are pursuing that,” he said, adding that public health officials will upgrade the country’s vaccine storage facility in advance of storing and then dispensing the vaccine.
“We have to have someplace to keep the vaccines properly because if they are not properly kept, they will be no good when you use them. It is our intention to introduce HPV Vaccine for the entire at-risk population to avoid this discrimination that is currently in place,” Dr Gomez added.
“As the Minister with responsibility for Health, my mandate speaks to ensuring equity in health, providing quality healthcare, promoting wellness and addressing the social determinants of health as communicated in the National Health Services Strategic Plan 2010-2020.
“In order for these goals to be achieved, we would need universal access to health services. We will do our part as public and I think the private sector will respond to Government’s approaches. I think we are on a good wicket,” Dr Gomez added. -(CMC)
