There have been great improvements in the control and elimination of diseases such as polio, measles and rubella through the introduction of comprehensive immunisation programmes throughout the Caribbean.

But despite the good work of the past 30 years there is still a need for more efforts to be made to safeguard the health of populations in the area.

That is what a gathering of 60 health and immunisation managers were told by Health Minister Patrice Minors as she opened the 22nd meeting of managers of the Caribbean Expanded Programme on Immunisation at the Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel.

Topics to be discussed range from vaccine programme management, immunisation safety issues and influenza and disease surveillance for the future.

Praising the work of the programme, which was started in 1974, for the success it has had eliminating many vaccine-preventable disease from the region, Mrs. Minors said: ?However, I also understand that although vaccine-preventable disease rates are lower we continue to face ongoing challenges in the effort to further reduce or eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases.

?The costs associated with the introduction of new vaccines, the availability of some vaccines, under-immunisation in some groups and the impact of global factors all represent challenges to sustaining our programmes.?

She added: ?I have no doubt that the exchange of information and ideas this week will help you overcome the unique challenges facing our programmes.

?The collective experience and leadership here at this meeting can only serve to benefit each of you as you seek solutions to shared challenges.?

The Minister also said she hoped the organisers and participants from the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre and the Pan American Health Organization, would find time to enjoy an outing around Bermuda during their stay.