Vikand launches maritime public health practice

Directed by Dennis Peyton Jr., the practice focuses on disease prevention and response, hygiene, sanitation, protocol and training for the cruise, commercial shipping and yachting industries.

'Dennis joins us from Holland America Group where he has served as epidemiologist since 2013 and has provided auxiliary support to the Carnival Corporation fleet of over 100 vessels based around the world. His experience and expertise are exceptional,' Vikand CEO Peter Hult said.

With 15 years of practical public health experience, seven serving the maritime industry, Peyton holds a master's degree in public health from Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Public Health, and internationally accredited certifications in infection prevention and control. He has also served as professor of medical microbiology at Jefferson College in Louisville, Kentucky.

Emphasis on infection prevention and control

Peyton’s emphasis is on infection prevention and control, most recently with COVID-19. This in-depth knowledge was essential in managing and supporting the pandemic response for Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Carnival Corp.

'Dennis is known throughout the industry as a collaborator, creating lasting professional relationships including key stakeholders at global health leadership organizations,' Hult said.

Total healthcare solution

'With Dennis’ extensive experience and knowledge of public health, epidemiology and cruise industry operations, Vikand expands its capabilities for clients and the maritime industry,' Hult continued. 'We provide a total healthcare solution. This is especially important in meeting the challenges of COVID-19, daily developments and quickly reviewing and augmenting protocols. It means providing solutions for the resumption of cruising plans through testing technologies, medical and PCR network developments, and multiple additional factors.'

Peyton’s credentials also include access to the World Health Organization, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Agency of Canada and Europe via EU Healthy Gateways and others.

Safeguarding collective vitality

'The greatest strength of public health is its focus on safeguarding collective vitality,' Peyton said. 'Through this attention, a community can realize its shared ideals: to reduce and eliminate unacceptable health disparities, nurture healthy children, cultivate healthy environments where empowered students learn and colleagues work productively, and to quench a natural thirst for healthy travel and new adventure. Together, as a society, we can achieve these shared goals through commitment to broad coalitions and effective communications that generate sustainable public health interventions.'

Vikand provides global medical service solutions to more than 200 cruise ships and supports 120,000 crew medical and mental wellness needs with on-board and onshore medical staff. Solutions encompass 24/7 medical management, public health, consulting, biomedical equipment maintenance and sales, and leading air and surface decontamination solutions.

The Fort Lauderdale-based company recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and is currently a finalist for the Seatrade Cruise Awards as Supplier of the Year 2020.

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