DUSHANBE, April 16, Asia-Plus — Tajikistan is actively engaged in European Immunization Week, which is taking place from April 16 to April 22, 2007.
An official opening of the European Immunization Week was held in Dushanbe on April 16. Participants of a news conference, given on this occasion, included senior representatives from Tajikistan’s Health (MoH) of Tajikistan and country offices of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and JICA (Japan’s International Cooperation Agency) in Tajikistan.
Speaking to journalists, Shamsullo Jobirov, Director of Tajikistan’s National Center for Immunization, noted that outbreaks of measles, tuberculosis and other diseases among children were registered in the country in 1992-1995. “Due to immunization programs the rates of the diseases were reduced,” Jobirov said, pointing to the necessity of raising immunization awareness among the population.
European Immunization Week uses the power of advocacy and targeted communication to boost awareness and increase the success of immunization programs. Immunization saves lives and protects children from disease and disability. It addresses inequalities in our societies, by giving children an equal opportunity for a healthy life.
During European Immunization Week, countries across the Region put immunization in the spotlight. From Tajikistan in the East to Ireland in the West, debates, workshops, trainings, exhibitions, education and media events highlight the importance of immunization, providing clear and evidence-based information.
Twenty-five countries from all corners of the WHO European Region are actively engaged in European Immunization Week – taking place 16-22 April 2007.
