DUSHANBE, April 24, 2010, Asia-Plus — The European Immunization Week was launched in Tajikistan today, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH).
The source at a MoH says the fifth EIW that runs till May 1 is aimed at raising awareness of vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of immunization. “Vaccinations against hepatitis B, polio, measles, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus will be carried out within the EIW,” the source said.
The European Immunization Week (EIW) is a regional initiative, led and coordinated by WHO/Europe and implemented by Member States to address country-specific issues related to immunization. Partner organizations, including UNICEF, the World Bank, the Measles Initiative and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), contribute at regional and national levels.
EIW aims to help Member States advance plans to ensure universal immunization. It promotes vaccination by using the power of advocacy and targeted communication to boost awareness and increase the success of immunization programs in reaching individuals who have not been immunized or who have not received all needed vaccinations.
In 2010, the fifth EIW will take place between 24 April and 1 May. EIW will emphasize national immunization efforts towards meeting the regional goal to eliminate measles and rubella by the end of 2010. Furthermore, WHO/Europe will join with the WHO Pan American Regional Office (PAHO) Vaccine Week in the Americas and the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO)Vaccine Week in the Eastern Mediterranean to simultaneously implement these regional immunization efforts.
