Upcoming Public Health Week Events

The Department of Health is recognizing World Health Day on April 7th, 2011 through the organization of numerous activities throughout Public Health Week – from April 4h to 8th April –to ensure Bermuda marks the observance.

Public Health Week is a time to celebrate the advancements in public health, assess our nation’s current public health status and highlight the importance of taking action.

The theme for Public Health Week is “Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work”. Antimicrobial or antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria or other microbes to resist the effects of an antibiotic. Because of their widespread availability and familiarity, generally low cost, and relative safety, antimicrobials are among the most misused of all medicines. Improving antimicrobial use decisions ultimately involves guiding treatment decisions made by patients and healthcare providers.

The Minister of Health Zane DeSilva will launch Public Health Week with a press conference on April 4th. The Department of Health has already begun to roll-out its awareness campaign for Public Health Week by reaching out to the general public, parents, physicians, and pharmacists through advertisements, fact sheets, brochures, poster, radio PSAs and media interviews.

The Department of Health is asking healthcare providers to take the time to educate patients about antibiotic resistance and the potential serious side effects.

On April 5th the Department of Health, in collaboration with the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association, will encourage the public to turn in expired medications to local pharmacies for proper disposal. The mascot for the Department of Health, ‘Bermy Germy’, will be on hand at the Hamilton Pharmacy at noon to encourage people to drop-off their old medications. The first 30 persons bringing in unused or expired medications to the Hamilton Pharmacy during this time will receive a special gift.

On April 6th the Department of Health will be recognising public health success in Bermuda by honouring the recipients of the 2011 Public Health Awards. The public was invited to nominate physicians and pharmacists who have contributed to public health in the local community. The Public Health Awards will recognize physicians and pharmacists who advocate, encourage and inspire health improvements in their communities.

On April 7th, World Health Day, the Department of Health will be collaborating with Argus and the Bermuda Hospital’s Board in the annual Argus Health Fair from 10:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the 6th floor of the new Argus Building on Wesley Street, Hamilton. The public is invited to attend for information on a range of health related issues.

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