Saint Lucia recently participated in a multi-country workshop on the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) in Copenhagen, Denmark, highlighting its commitment to strengthening national immunization programs.
The event focused on advancing vaccine equity, improving health systems, and fostering regional collaboration. Such workshops support Saint Lucia’s efforts to enhance access to life-saving vaccines, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Participation underscores the country’s engagement with global health initiatives and its alignment with international goals like those of the WHO and UNICEF.
A delegation from the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition consisting of the Principal Nursing Officer Julietta Fredrick-Cassius, National Immunization Manager Bernadette Felix-Regis and Senior Accountant Esther Peters took part in a Multi-Country Workshop on Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) for Middle Income Countries (MICs) Transition 5.1 to 6.0 catalytic phase, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from June 16 -18.
The objective of the workshop was to translate lessons from GAVI 5.1 phase into actionable strategies and country priorities to support effective engagement in the 6.0 catalyst phase including preparation for the September 2026 Independent Review Committee (IRC) application window.
Saint Lucia’s participation in the workshop explored opportunities for eligibility and prioritization under GAVI support for the introduction of new vaccines and the optimization of existing vaccines to strengthen the National Immunization Programme.
This workshop was extremely relevant as Saint Lucia is planning to introduce the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) into the routine childhood immunization schedule. Saint Lucia’s participation in this workshop also provided valuable insights into the requirements, processes, and commitments associated with accessing GAVI support to facilitate this vaccine introduction and enhance the sustainability of the national immunization programme.
The workshop brought together 76 participants from 18 MICs, Ministries of Health & Finance, UNICEF, WHO, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and World Bank, for peer learning, sharing of good practices and information sharing on GAVI technical and financial support that can be made available to countries for strengthening of their national immunization program.