April 29, 2015
Immunization Week Raises Vaccination & HPV Awareness
EDGE READ TIME: 4 MIN.
The World Health Organization's World Immunization Week (WIW) from April 24 to 30 this year aims to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination to people of all ages and increase rates of immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases around the world. This year WIW focuses on 'closing the immunization gap.' African Vaccination Week is being celebrated under the theme "Vaccination, a gift for life."
Despite recent progress within African countries, there is still significant opportunities provided by immunization.
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In addition, the overall health benefits are significant. Immunised children have higher cognitive abilities and are more likely to attend school and go on to be productive members of their community.
By reducing illness and long-term disability, vaccines also generate savings for health systems and families. Health workers are freed up and parents spend less time looking after sick children.
Immunisation programs average about 80% coverage globally. South of the Sahara, the average was 80.6% for the DPT3 vaccine in 2013, with wide disparities across countries.
Africa has made several gains beyond increasing reach of immunisation; some diseases, polio for example, have been eliminated through wide-scale immunisation programmes. Vaccines are available in public vaccination programmes in the vast majority of African countries, thanks to sustained political will, international support and innovative public/private partnerships.
Ensuring equity and coverage across the continent and within countries requires sustained effort and resources. As African countries grow economically and actively finance vaccines and immunisation programmes.children and entire economies benefit. Fully-immunized African children have a better chance of living up to their full potential, both intellectually and physically. And, by investing in immunization, African countries can make a lasting contribution to the millennium development goals (MDGs). These efforts will also advance the health and development commitments of African leaders and governments and allow children and adults to lead productive, prosperous, and healthy lives.
Africa and Human Papillomavirus
Kenya and HPV
"For more than 100 years, scientists at MSD has been discovering and developing vaccines to help prevent certain diseases in children, adolescents and adults," said Farouk Shamas Jiwa, Director, Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility in Africa, MSD. "We have an important responsibility to improve access to vaccines and quality healthcare worldwide. We do this by working in partnership with others -- governments, donors, patient organizations, healthcare professionals, NGOs, multilateral organizations and others in the private sector -- to lend our expertise and knowledge. Our commitment is steadfast as we work to increase access to vaccines now and in the future."