Latest news with #WorldImmunizationWeek2025
Business Recorder
02-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
World Immunization Week 2025 concludes
ISLAMABAD: The World Immunization Week 2025 celebrated countrywide from April 24-30 has concluded on a note that vaccines are not just doses of protection; they are promises of a healthier, brighter future and annually save millions of lives globally. The World Immunization Week 2025 in Pakistan was organised by the Dopasi Foundation, in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI). Kinzul Eman, chief executive officer (CEO) of Dopasi Foundation on the conclusion of the event said, 'too many children remain unprotected due to gaps in access and awareness. That's what we're working to change.' Under the theme "Immunization for All is Humanly Possible," the campaign featured dynamic, community-driven activities. In Islamabad, Dopasi introduced Tikoo Buddy, a vaccination mascot, who engaged families at the Run and Ride Event in F-9 Park with educational materials and fun interactions aimed at dispelling myths and promoting routine immunisation. In Balochistan, efforts intensified with a Rickshaw Awareness Drive, city-wide branding, and a series of advocacy events involving community leaders and health workers. These activities brought immunisation messages directly to the public in culturally familiar formats and emphasised the importance of vaccinating children under five. 'Vaccines are not just doses of protection; they are promises of a healthier, brighter future,' said Kinzul Eman, CEO of Dopasi Foundation. 'Too many children remain unprotected due to gaps in access and awareness. That's what we're working to change.' Thanks to strong public-private partnerships, including Gavi and UNICEF, vaccines that protect against measles, polio, HPV, tetanus, influenza, malaria, and RSV are being provided free of cost to the Government of Pakistan — despite being expensive to procure. These efforts are delivered through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and supported by local partners like Dopasi Foundation. While progress is evident, challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and healthcare inequities remain. In 2023, over 22 million children worldwide missed their first measles shot, underscoring the urgency of continued outreach. According to senior officials of the Federal Directorate of Immunization, since the launch of Pakistan's Expanded Programme on Immunization in 1978 in partnership with WHO, millions have been protected from deadly diseases. Globally, vaccines have saved 154 million lives over the past 50 years, an average of 3 million lives annually. Despite progress, challenges remain as In 2024, Pakistan aimed to vaccinate 7.3 million infants, but 1.2 million did not receive a single dose of the measles vaccine due to incomplete schedules, raising the risk of outbreaks. Regional disparities in vaccination coverage persist, with nearly half of children in Balochistan either under or partially immunized. Pakistan also remains one of only two countries where polio is still endemic. Vaccination is not just a health intervention, it is an investment in a healthier and more prosperous future. The EPI is committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of location, has access to life-saving vaccines. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab Times
23-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Immunization programs remain a cornerstone of public health in Kuwait: MoH
KUWAIT CITY, April 23: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health (MoH) reaffirmed on Tuesday its ongoing commitment to strengthening national immunization programs, describing them as one of the key pillars of public health and a major medical achievement that has played a crucial role in protecting communities from infectious diseases. This comes as part of the country's long-term vision for a sustainable and healthier future. In a statement, the Ministry emphasized that this commitment aligns with global efforts highlighted during World Immunization Week 2025, underscoring the importance of vaccination as a vital tool for disease prevention and for enhancing the overall health of individuals and communities. Since the inception of the National Immunization Program, the Ministry noted its dedication to implementing the latest health policies grounded in scientific evidence and in accordance with internationally approved recommendations. These policies are continuously reviewed through specialized national scientific committees composed of leading medical and technical experts. The Ministry explained that vaccination schedules are regularly updated to reflect both local and global epidemiological developments, as well as the latest research, ensuring the continued protection of the community and improved health prevention measures. The Ministry also highlighted its ongoing monitoring of the epidemiological situation both locally and internationally. Proactive measures based on accurate, real-time data have enabled Kuwait to achieve significant milestones in fighting infectious diseases. These include the complete eradication of polio—no local cases have been recorded since 1986—and Kuwait's active contribution to global efforts to eliminate smallpox. As a result of these immunization efforts, Kuwait has seen a notable decline in the incidence of several infectious diseases. For instance, the incidence of measles dropped to 0.08 and 0.14 per 100,000 people in 2023 and 2024, respectively, with all reported cases originating from outside the country. Furthermore, no cases of rubella were recorded in 2023, and only one case was reported in 2024. The introduction of effective vaccines into the national immunization schedule has also led to a marked decrease in the rates of mumps, rotavirus, pneumonia, and meningitis. The Ministry credited these successes to the consistent implementation of best international medical practices, the strengthening of primary healthcare services, investment in the training of medical and technical staff, and awareness campaigns that have raised public understanding of vaccination as a primary means of disease prevention. Additionally, the Ministry stressed its continued adoption of modern scientific advancements in vaccine development and its ongoing review of global research to ensure the use of the most advanced, safe, and effective vaccines. This approach aims to reinforce the national immunization system and broaden the scope of public health protection. The Ministry concluded by noting that these accomplishments are part of Kuwait's comprehensive national vision to improve public health. It reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing efforts aimed at building a healthier, safer, and more prosperous society, in line with the goals of sustainable development and the "New Kuwait 2035" vision.
