The Ministry of Health in Dominica has started to administer HPV vaccine to primary schools in the country. The vaccine is administered to prevent the occurrence and spread of cervical cancer among young girls and women across the island. The drug is administered to students at the Grade 5 and 6 levels. Health authorities revealed that the vaccine has been administered to women in other Caribbean countries before coming down to Dominica.
Meanwhile, the entire country celebrated the International World Aids Day on Sunday. The event was coordinated by the National HIV and AIDS Response Program (NHARP) led by Lester Guye. The agency disclosed that since Dominica began joining the rest of the world to celebrate AIDS day, the country has seen a significant reduction in the spread of the disease across the island.
Guye said a lot of people have been coming to get tested, and he encouraged people who are at risk to show up for testing. According to him, NHARP is dedicated to eradicating HIV/AIDS at the community level so as to effectively kick out the disease from Dominica. The theme of this year’s International World Aids Day is “Communities Make the Difference”.
In a related development, the OECS/USAID has organized a 5-day training programme for Juvenile Justice Reform Capacity. The programme deals with juvenile justice, motivational events, family-centred case planning, and reducing criminality among youths in the country. It also focused on getting youths involved in constructive activities as well as building a future that ensures self-reliance.
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