Health

Acting CMO: The Risk Is Real

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Given the drop in vaccination numbers, health officials are now concerned we could see the resurgence of diseases like polio or measles.

Published

10 months ago

July 3, 2023

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Given the drop in vaccination numbers, health officials are now concerned we could see the resurgence of diseases like polio or measles.

PAHO and WHO Representative to The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Dr. Eldonna Boisson said recently The Bahamas is at risk for polio due to low vaccination numbers.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Philip Swann says the Ministry of Health is now looking at ways to increase vaccination.

There is no known cure for polio and according to data from the WHO, the vaccine which is given multiple times, can protect a child for life.

The global polio eradication initiative was launched back in 1988 which has made it possible for more than 20 million people to walk who would otherwise be paralyzed because of the disease.

Swann says the plan is to prevent any outbreak.