Latest news with #ExpandedProgramonImmunization
Daily News Egypt
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt becomes first country in Eastern Mediterranean to meet WHO target for hepatitis B control
Egypt has become the first country in the World Health Organization's Eastern Mediterranean Region to meet the WHO target for hepatitis B control, a milestone achievement officially recognized during a ceremony held in Cairo on Sunday. At the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar received a formal certificate from WHO, confirming Egypt's success in achieving the benchmark for reducing hepatitis B prevalence among children and maintaining sustained vaccine coverage. According to national surveys conducted between 2008 and 2024, hepatitis B prevalence among individuals under 60 has declined by 15% since 2015, while rates among children under ten have dropped by 50%. Notably, prevalence among children under five now stands at below 1%—the threshold established by WHO for hepatitis B control. WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Hanan Balkhy, praised Egypt's public health infrastructure and long-standing commitment to immunization. She highlighted that Egypt has maintained over 90% coverage of the hepatitis B third-dose vaccine for more than a decade, as well as consistent coverage of the birth dose for five consecutive years. 'This is a turning point in Egypt's healthcare journey,' said Abdel Ghaffar. 'It reflects our national commitment to prevention, immunization, and universal health coverage, in alignment with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi's vision for health security.' The success was largely driven by Egypt's Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), which achieved over 95% vaccine coverage, providing free hepatitis B vaccines to all newborns—Egyptian and non-Egyptian alike. The program also ensures immediate birth doses and immunoglobulin for infants born to hepatitis B-positive mothers. Egypt also expanded immunization access to high-risk populations, including healthcare workers, dialysis patients, people living with HIV, and household contacts of hepatitis B carriers. These efforts were supported by upgrades to the digital infrastructure that improved vaccine tracking, reduced waste, and ensured equitable service delivery across the country. WHO Representative in Egypt, Naeema Al-Gasseer, commended Egypt for its technical capacity and long-term planning. 'Egypt fully deserves this recognition. It is a testament to what can be achieved through coordinated health policy and sustained investment in public health.' Beyond immunization, the Ministry of Health launched the Egyptian Vaccine Manufacturers Alliance (EVMA) to localize vaccine production and strengthen domestic supply chain resilience, a key pillar in Egypt's drive toward health system sustainability. Hesham Sateet, Head of the Unified Procurement Authority, emphasized the importance of securing vaccines and medical supplies through transparent, efficient mechanisms. 'This achievement would not have been possible without the full backing of Egypt's political leadership and the close coordination among state institutions,' he said. Ali El-Ghamrawy, President of the Egyptian Drug Authority, added that local manufacturing and regulatory governance are central to Egypt's broader health strategy, which is aligned with Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 'The Egyptian experience proves that with strategic planning, institutional coordination, and political will, even complex public health challenges can be overcome,' Abdel Ghaffar concluded, expressing gratitude to frontline health workers and international partners who supported Egypt's journey.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Government Reinforces Vaccine Production Capabilities with 20 Local Vaccine Types
Vietnam's vaccine market, valued at $945M, is expanding due to increased government funding for the EPI, rising private sector involvement, and demand for life-course immunization. Key regions include the Red River Delta, with urban hubs like Hanoi. Challenges like rural healthcare disparities remain. Dublin, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Vietnam Vaccine Market Outlook to 2029" has been added to offering. The Vietnam Vaccine Market, valued at USD 945 million, has experienced consistent growth over the past five years, driven by increased government funding under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), rising private sector participation, and a growing demand for life-course immunization among adults and the elderly. Enhanced awareness and income levels have propelled the demand for paid vaccines outside the EPI, such as HPV and influenza, bolstered by improved domestic production and expanded public-private distribution networks. Geographically, the market is concentrated in regions like the Red River Delta and the North Central & Central Coast, primarily due to their large urban populations and robust medical infrastructure. These areas host over 5,600 healthcare facilities, constituting 47% of Vietnam's medical infrastructure. Cities like Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Da Nang serve as immunization hubs due to high disease awareness, extensive public health outreach, and better access to both routine and paid vaccination programs. The presence of medical universities, regulatory bodies, and readiness of supply chains further establishes their prominence in the national vaccine landscape. The Vietnamese government has strengthened vaccine regulations under the EPI by boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities. In 2023, the Ministry of Health committed to producing at least 20 types of vaccines using 30 production technologies locally. Vietnam enforces strict oversight through provincial CDCs and mandates licensing for all vaccination centers, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Vietnam Vaccine Market Segmentation By Distribution Channel: The market is segmented into Public and Private Sectors. The public sector dominates through the national EPI network, which covers all 63 provinces with over 14,000 vaccination sites. However, the private sector is expanding in urban areas, offering paid vaccines through hospitals and retail chains to meet the rising consumer demand for premium immunization services. By Age Group: Segmentation is into Pediatric, Adult, and Geriatric categories. Pediatric vaccines lead due to high birth rates and mandated early-life immunizations, with over 1.4 million births annually fueling demand for vaccines like BCG, DTP, and polio. School-based delivery programs continue to cement pediatric dominance in the immunization landscape. Vietnam Vaccine Market Competitive Landscape The market is led by global pharmaceutical giants such as MSD, GSK, and Sanofi, supported by domestic manufacturers like IVAC, benefiting from government support. These players leverage extensive vaccine portfolios, global regulatory certifications, and advanced distribution systems to ensure high coverage through effective production capabilities and nationwide cold chain-enabled delivery frameworks. Vietnam Vaccine Market Analysis Growth Drivers High Private Sector Involvement: Over 2,660 private sites enhance market access, improving immunization rates across various income segments. Expanding Domestic Vaccine Production: Aiming for self-sufficiency, Vietnam's commitment to local manufacturing aims to master 30 vaccine technologies by 2030. Increase in Budget for EPI Program: A boost from 6 to 14 vaccines from 1985 to 2022 reflects a policy focus on comprehensive immunization coverage. Market Challenges Urban-Rural Disparities: Limited healthcare access in rural regions leads to lower vaccination rates. Lack of Cold Chain Facilities: Insufficient storage capacity impacts distribution efficiency and leads to higher wastage. Future Outlook The Vietnamese Vaccine market is poised for steady growth, driven by private sector expansion, governmental support, and technological advancements in domestic production. Increased urbanization and healthcare awareness will fuel demand, while strategic collaborations, local R&D, and mRNA technology transfers are expected to enhance vaccine access, especially in underserved regions. Opportunities Rise in Paid Vaccination Outside EPI: Consumer interest in vaccines such as HPV, influenza, and shingles is rising, offering long-term growth prospects. Growth in Life-Course Immunization Programs: Adult vaccine coverage is broadening with urbanization and increased healthcare spending, diversifying the immunization base. Company Coverage: MSD GSK Sanofi Pfizer IVAC Key Topics Covered: Vietnam Vaccine Market Overview Vietnam Vaccine Market Size and Segmentation Market Size of Vietnam Vaccine Market (2018-2030F) Segmentation by Age Group (2024 & 2030F) Segmentation by Technology (2024 & 2030F) Segmentation by Purpose (2024 & 2030F) Segmentation by Region (2024 & 2030F) Segmentation by Distribution Channel (2024 & 2030F) 3. Vietnam Vaccine Industry Analysis 3.1. Vaccination Rate by Major Type of Diseases 3.2. Market Trends and Developments 3.3. Market Challenges 3.4. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 3.5. Relevant Regulations and Standards for Vaccine Market in Vietnam Vietnam Vaccine Market Competitive Landscape Ecosystem of Vietnam Vaccine Market Market Share of Key Players (2024) Cross Comparison of Key Players in Vietnam Vaccine Market For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. 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The Star
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
South Sudan launches vaccines to prevent pneumonia, diarrhea in children
JUBA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan, in partnership with United Nations agencies, on Tuesday launched two vaccines to prevent pneumonia and severe diarrhea in children under five. Anin Ngot Ngot Mou, undersecretary in the Ministry of Health, described the rollout as a game changer in the fight against two of the country's leading causes of child mortality. "Today, we are taking a bold step forward in protecting the health and future of our children in South Sudan. Pneumococcal disease is the leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, especially among children under five years old," Ngot said during the launch in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. The new vaccines -- pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus vaccine -- will be integrated into the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974. Health workers are being trained, and public awareness campaigns are underway to promote community acceptance and ensure wide coverage, Ngot added. Obia Achieng, deputy representative of the UN Children's Fund in South Sudan, said the vaccination campaign will extend across all 10 states and three administrative areas, with a focus on reaching vulnerable children in remote and conflict-affected regions. He highlighted that the campaign marks a milestone for South Sudan, coinciding with the formal introduction of both PCV and rotavirus vaccines into the national immunization system. Despite this progress, he noted that about 40 percent of children in South Sudan live more than 5 km from the nearest health facility, with many displaced due to ongoing insecurity. Mutale Senkwe, WHO deputy representative in South Sudan, said the campaign reinforces the country's commitment to protecting children from preventable diseases. Senkwe said since the launch of the EPI, vaccines have saved over 50 million children in Africa, and in 2024, a child in Africa is 50 percent more likely to survive to their next birthday than in a world without vaccines.
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Measles claims territory in District East
The future of a nation relies heavily on the health and well-being of its children, who must be protected from childhood diseases through rigorous vaccination drives. Unfortunately, in Sindh, where routine immunization remains a challenge, diseases like measles continue to nip the buds of the country. According to the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) of the Sindh Health Department, over 5,000 children have been brought with symptoms of measles across hospitals in Sindh, where 31 children have died between January and April 2025. Furthermore, across seven districts of Karachi, 2,242 children were brought to different hospitals with symptoms of measles, the presence of which was confirmed through a laboratory test in 948 children. While speaking of the recent epidemic, Dr Raj Kumar, Project Director of the EPI at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the outbreak was concentrated in District East, where out of 407 suspected cases, 247 children were confirmed to have measles. "Conversely, in the Central district, 476 children were brought with symptoms of measles, out of which 100 children were confirmed carriers. Five deaths occurred in Karachi, all of which were reported from District East," claimed Dr Kumar, while speaking of the area where no vaccination drive against measles has been conducted this year. One such grieving parent was Amer Ali, father of 4-year-old Hasnain, who succumbed to measles. "My son was under treatment at a private hospital since the past 15 days. When his condition worsened, he was brought to the NICHD hospital, where he passed away. He had developed pneumonia along with measles, which caused him severe respiratory distress. Although we had administered both doses of the measles vaccine to our son, we still could not save his life," cried Ali. Similarly, parents of another child brought to the emergency ward at Lyari Hospital revealed that their son had been experiencing fever and a rash on his body for several days. "When the child was brought to the emergency ward, the doctor informed that he had contracted measles. Our boy received medical treatment at the emergency ward, and luckily his condition has improved," said the parents. According to Dr Waseem Jamalvi, President of the Pakistan Paediatric Association Sindh, even today many children in the province remain unvaccinated against measles. "If routine vaccination is ensured, the incidence of measles can be reduced. Parents are not getting their children vaccinated against measles. While some get the initial vaccinations, many miss out on the measles vaccine. The Health Department has a sufficient supply of the measles vaccine and has made it available at every EPI centre. Children who are not vaccinated against measles are more likely to contract the disease. Therefore, all parents are urged to get their children vaccinated against measles and complete the full course of protective vaccinations against 12 diseases," implored Dr Jamalvi. Likewise, Dr Ikram Sultan, a health expert also attributed the rapid spread of measles to the low vaccination rate. "Measles is highly contagious, and despite vaccination, the number of children affected by measles is increasing. However, not vaccinating children against measles is a major reason behind the spread of this epidemic. Some affected children are those who were vaccinated, but due to weak immunity, they fell ill. Babies who are not breastfed or are suffering from nutritional deficiencies have weakened immunity and are at risk of acquiring measles. In Pakistan, children are administered measles vaccine at 9 and 15 months of age. If a child receives both doses of the vaccine, they can be effectively protected against measles," said Dr Sultan. "The Health Department of Sindh will launch a special campaign in October, in which 8,226,945 children will be administered the measles vaccine. Under the EPI program, children are given two doses of the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella," announced Dr Kumar.
Express Tribune
25-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Low vaccination rates threaten children
Only 68 per cent of children in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have been immunized against various diseases, leaving 32 per cent without full vaccination coverage. Approximately 19,000 parents in the province are reportedly reluctant to vaccinate their children. The rising number of measles and diphtheria cases presents a serious challenge for the health department. These views were expressed by health experts at a seminar organized by Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in Peshawar. The event marked the launch of World Immunization Week, which will be observed from April 24 to April 30. During this week, various activities will be held at the community level to promote vaccination and awareness. The ceremony was attended by Health Secretary Shahidullah, DG Health Dr Salim, EPI Director Dr Asghar, UNICEF head Dr Inamullah, WHO Head Dr Babar Alam, and Pakistan Pediatric Association Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa President Dr Bawar Shah, among others. Dr Asghar said that the trend of not vaccinating children against diseases in K-P poses a significant threat to public health. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic affected vaccination rates, and now the province has devised an immunization strategy involving all partners, district coordinators, and polio officers. The health department is working to increase human resource capacity, train medical officers, and integrate the polio program with EPI program.
