BVI LAUNCHES MEDICINE SAFETY WEEK WITH VIDEO CAMPAIGN

The British Virgin Islands is marking Medicine Safety Week from November 2 to 8 with a push to get residents to spot and report unwanted reactions to medicines.

This year's observance carries the message "Side Effects Don't Ignore Them, Report Them" and forms part of the international #MedSafetyWeek campaign. The effort seeks to build public awareness about the risks medicines can pose and to involve patients, caregivers and healthcare workers in flagging suspected adverse effects.

Gracia Wheatley-Smith, Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, said the Ministry of Health and Social Development is running the campaign chiefly through short video clips carrying safety information. The videos have evolved over time: the first year featured English-language content, Spanish messaging was added after two years, and this year French versions have been included. "So as the campaign grow, we will add more messages to eventually cover the Territory," Wheatley-Smith said.

Medicines serve crucial roles in preventing and treating disease, but can trigger unwanted effects ranging from minor discomfort to serious health problems. The ministry is urging residents to monitor how their bodies respond to any medication and to consult a healthcare professional if something unexpected occurs.

Wheatley-Smith noted that sharing these experiences is vital. "Reporting these experiences helps us identify potential risks and contributes to safer healthcare for everyone," she said. She added that the observance offers a chance to deepen public knowledge of medication safety and boost the number of people willing to flag suspected side effects.

Residents should stick to dosage instructions, ask questions about both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and keep their doctors informed of everything they are taking. Anyone who suspects a side effect should seek professional advice; serious reactions warrant immediate medical care.

Wheatley-Smith encouraged people to share the safety videos with family, colleagues and friends through Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms to spread awareness about medicines safety.

For details, residents can reach Wheatley-Smith at [email protected] or 468-9850.