Vaccination Week in the Americas Commences in Panama City

Panama City, Panama (PAHO) – The 23rd edition of Vaccination Week in the Americas commenced today in Panama City, underscoring the pivotal role of immunization in achieving and sustaining the elimination of communicable diseases across the Region.

Introduction to Vaccination Week

“Since 2003, Vaccination Week in the Americas has been a cornerstone of our Region’s public health efforts, driving the vaccination of more than 1.2 billion people in 40 countries and territories,” remarked Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization, during his opening address. However, he emphasized, “our Region’s leadership in vaccination goes beyond this week.”

A Legacy of Immunization in the Americas

The Americas boasts a remarkable legacy in immunization, having successfully eliminated smallpox in 1974 (later eradicated), followed by poliomyelitis, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, and neonatal tetanus.

Disease Elimination Initiative

In 2023, PAHO reignited its Disease Elimination Initiative, a bold commitment to eliminate over 30 diseases and related conditions from the Americas by the year 2030, 11 of which are vaccine preventable.

Eliminating Cervical Cancer

In his address, the PAHO Director highlighted the Americas’ ambitious goal to eliminate cervical cancer, a disease that tragically claims the lives of more than 40,000 women in the region annually.

The HPV vaccine is a highly effective vaccine that will enable us to eliminate cervical cancer and other types of cancer.,” he stated. “During this Vaccination Week in the Americas, countries will administer more than 17.7 million doses of HPV vaccines.”

Routine Vaccination Programs

When it comes to routine vaccination programs, Dr Barbosa also pointed out that while “the Americas is the only Region in the world that has recovered and surpassed the pre-pandemic vaccination coverage levels,” there’s still crucial work to be done to reach and maintain the 95% target. significant vulnerabilities persist, with 1.3 million children under the age of 1 continuing to miss out on essential, life-saving immunizations.

Addressing Measles, Mumps, and Rubella

“Gaps in vaccination coverage against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) have led to localized outbreaks in six countries” the PAHO Director cautioned. “To halt the spread of this highly contagious disease, we urgently need to strengthen our surveillance systems and rapid response capacity, while we close these immunization gaps”

Commitment to Vaccination

“Getting vaccinated is an act of love. It is about protecting ourselves but also the people we love the most,” said the Honorable Maricel Cohen de Mulino, First Lady of Panama. “Today, Panama raises its voice for health and prevention. As a country, as a people, and as families, we reaffirm our commitment to protect one another, and to share our experiences with the entire region.”

Vaccination Efforts During the Week

During this year’s Vaccination Week, counties will administer 2.5 million doses of measles-containing vaccines which, coupled with micro-planning to ensure every child is protected regardless of their location, will contribute to stopping the virus more effectively.

PAHO’s Role in Vaccination

“At PAHO, we will continue to work closely with our Member States to cultivate the awareness and trust in vaccines that Vaccination Week champions,” Dr. Barbosa affirmed, also underscoring the critical role of the PAHO Revolving Fund, a regional pooled procurement mechanism that facilitates timely access to vital vaccines and supplies at more favorable prices.

“We must seize this opportunity to uphold our leadership in vaccination, close immunization gaps, and ultimately save more lives,” he concluded. (PAHO)

Conclusion

The 23rd edition of Vaccination Week in the Americas is a crucial step towards achieving the elimination of communicable diseases in the Region. With a strong commitment to vaccination and a legacy of immunization, the Americas can make significant progress in protecting its population from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vaccination Week in the Americas?

Vaccination Week in the Americas is an annual event that aims to promote vaccination and immunization across the Region.

What is the goal of the Disease Elimination Initiative?

The goal of the Disease Elimination Initiative is to eliminate over 30 diseases and related conditions from the Americas by the year 2030, 11 of which are vaccine preventable.

How many doses of HPV vaccines will be administered during Vaccination Week?

More than 17.7 million doses of HPV vaccines will be administered during Vaccination Week in the Americas.

What is the role of PAHO in vaccination efforts?

PAHO works closely with its Member States to cultivate awareness and trust in vaccines, and provides critical support through the PAHO Revolving Fund, a regional pooled procurement mechanism that facilitates timely access to vital vaccines and supplies at more favorable prices.