In a resounding demonstration of international cooperation and a shared commitment to public health, the Government of Saint Lucia has received a substantial donation of 10,000 oral doses of the Polio vaccine from the Federative Republic of Brazil. The official handover ceremony was held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, and brought together diplomatic and health sector officials in a moment of unity and progress. 

The event was presided over by His Excellency Colbert Soares Pinto Junior, Resident Ambassador of Brazil to Saint Lucia; Honourable Moses Jn Baptiste, Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs; and His Excellency Peter Lansiquot, Saint Lucia’s Ambassador to Mexico, Venezuela, ALBA, TCP, and CELAC. The donation forms part of the country’s broader commitment to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), launched in 1988 to eliminate polio worldwide. 

During his remarks, Ambassador Colbert Soares Pinto Junior affirmed Brazil’s support for Saint Lucia’s public health priorities and emphasized the spirit of friendship behind the donation. “The delivery of these vaccines to Saint Lucia was facilitated by the Brazilian Cooperation Agency of the Ministry of External Affairs of Brazil, and I want to highlight that this donation comes at no cost to the Government of Saint Lucia. This contribution reflects Brazil’s commitment to regional solidarity and to the well-being of Saint Lucia and its people,” he stated. 

The donation is expected to bolster Saint Lucia’s immunization program, helping to safeguard children and vulnerable populations against Polio virus. 

Minister Moses Jn Baptiste expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Brazil for its generosity and underlined the strategic importance of the donation to the island’s healthcare goals. “Brazil and Saint Lucia share a long-standing partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared development objectives. This vaccine donation is not only a symbol of that partnership but a tangible investment in our immunization program. It supports our mission to ensure accessibility, equity, and quality in health for all Saint Lucians.” 

The Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs played an integral role in facilitating this collaboration, utilizing its diplomatic relationships to advance Saint Lucia’s health and development agenda. 

This significant handover reflects Saint Lucia’s continued alignment with global health targets and its dedication to achieving Universal Health Coverage, ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against preventable diseases. 

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs extends its appreciation to all partners who contributed to making this milestone possible and reaffirms its commitment to protecting the health of every citizen through sustainable international partnerships. 

Read more: https://www.govt.lc/news/brazil-supports-ministry-of-healths-immunization-goals

Listen: https://pod.co/government-of-saint-lucia/brazil-supports-ministry-of-healths-immunization-goals

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-YLWm0v_z0