Road Town, Tortola – October 16, 2025: – The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has been awarded the Henry C. Smith Award for outstanding improvement in our national immunization program, marking a proud milestone for the Territory and affirming the dedication of the Primary Healthcare Team in delivering quality community-based care.

The accolade was presented during the Thirty-ninth Meeting of Managers of the Caribbean Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), held from October 7–9, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Trinidad and Tobago. The event brought together 40 participants from 25 countries and territories across the British West Indies and the Dutch Caribbean, including representatives from ministries of health, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and PAHO/WHO.

The BVI was represented by Mrs. Ferrosa Roache, Director of Community Nursing and National EPI Manager, who accepted the award on behalf of the Territory and the BVIHSA.

“This achievement is a reflection of the hard work and unwavering dedication of our Primary Healthcare Team – nurses, community health workers, and public health professionals, who continue to protect the health and wellbeing of our people,” said Mrs. Roache. “It demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.”

The Henry C. Smith Award is presented annually to the country or territory demonstrating the most significant improvement in its national immunization program. The BVI earned this distinction following remarkable increases in national vaccination coverage rates for 2024:

• Birth Dose Hepatitis B: 85% (2023) – 91% (2024)
• 3rd Dose DTP-HepB-Hib-Polio: 85% (2023) – 100% (2024)
• 1st Dose MMR: 86% (2023) – 87.6% (2024)
• 2nd Dose MMR: 73% (2023) – 91.9% (2024)
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): 44% (2023) – 95% (2024)

These accomplishments underscore the BVIHSA’s continued success in strengthening immunization coverage, advancing regional elimination goals, and safeguarding the population from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the BVIHSA, Dr. June Samuel, commended the team for their outstanding achievement:

“This recognition reflects the BVIHSA’s unwavering commitment to public health excellence. Our Primary Healthcare Team continues to exemplify the Authority’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality care that protects and uplifts our communities. We are proud of their dedication and the lasting impact of their work.”

Director of Primary Healthcare, Dr. Natasha Frett, also expressed pride in the team’s achievement:

“The success of our immunization program is the result of collective effort—from our dedicated nurses in clinics across the Territory to our community partners who help build trust and awareness. This award belongs to every member of our Primary Healthcare Team who goes above and beyond to keep our population safe.”

The BVI Health Services Authority remains steadfast in its mission to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, expand vaccine accessibility, and ensure that every resident benefits from comprehensive, preventive health services.