CHAIRMAN of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Mr.  David Armogan has pledged to collaborate with the Regional Health Authority (BRHA) to honour the school which has achieved a 100 percent immunisation against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). He gave the undertaking during the Edinburgh Health Centre  Day,  on Wednesday last, at the East Bank Berbice location, where the gathering was told that the coverage of the vaccine, which targets girls aged eleven years old, amounted to 76 percent in the  catchment area from Heathburn to Good Samaritan Backdam.
Nurse Sarah Nicholson, in her report, for the past 12 months, noted that the Centre has more than the 100 percent targeted for immunisation, with the remaining available vaccines. But there were girls who did not receive the vaccination that aids in the reduction of cervical cancer.
Armogan, who is also Chairman of BRHA, reminded parents that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has signaled its confidence in the vaccine capability.
“The vaccine has been tested and tried,” he said, urging them not to be influenced by propaganda but to allow their daughters to take the drug, as it would have a preventative effect decades from now.
He also put focus on the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), following a dramatic poetry recitation by multipurpose technician Miranda Jackson, who fitted herself with a prosthesis penis, secured with a condom, to demonstrate, to the audience, health and safety rules.
Armogan pointed out that the virus is more concentrated amongst the younger population who have illicit sex but advised that protecting oneself is more important.

BECOMING INFECTED
He said, most times when people don’t protect themselves, after consuming alcohol and illicit drugs, that results in them becoming infected.
Meanwhile, Nurse Lilowattie Hussain, whose services are beneficial primarily to Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), informed that, from June 2011 to May 2012, a total of 5,920 cases were addressed, including 80 industrial accidents.
Hussain, who has been assigned to the Rose Hall Sugar Estate, but utilises the Edinburgh Centre in her care delivery for minor cases and chronic illnesses, observed that  the ten most common illnesses displayed by workers are hypertension, diabetes mellitus,  dermological conditions, osteoarthritis, wounds, gastritis, soft tissue injuries, pelvic inflammatory diseases and nutritional disorders.
She said 1,035 patients were treated for respiratory tract infections, 495 for hypertension, 420 for diabetes mellitus, 425 for osteoarthritis and 334 for dermatological conditions.
Also speaking at the mid-morning function, which was punctuated by pupils of Sisters Nursery and Primary schools performing cultural items, was Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo.
He challenged the medical staff,  who serve the four miles catchment area, to ensure that the schools benefit from 100 percent coverage with respect to vaccination.
Mahadeo said special attention must  be paid to those who did not get the HPV vaccine and emphasised its importance.
However, despite the admonition, Armogan said, while the Region has recorded 40 percent above the national average for vaccination, more is yet to be done to accomplish the regional goal.
Senior Health Visitor Terry Davis Chester, in her overview, said  the Centre, initially, offered services which attracted only women and children but its responsibility now  includes other members of the entire family, in an effort to sensitise each individual of their role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The two-hour programme was chaired by Ms. Jennifer Christopher.