On 23rd April 2012 Tanzania joined other countries in the world in the implementation of the Immunization Week. The national launch took place in Dar Es Salaam and it was officiated by the Hon. Minister of Health, who was represented by Dr. Donald Mmbando, Ag. Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Others present were Government Officials from national to regional and district levels, WHO, UNICEF, USAID, the Media, School Children and other Stakeholders including the Community at large.

Speaking on behalf of the Government, the Hon Minister talked on the achievements made on immunization coverage in the country and expressed his appreciation for the support from WHO, UNICEF and other development partners in the area. The Minister made an account on efforts being made by the Government to make sure the level of achievements is increased and maintained. A new vaccination schedule was launched to start using the standard vaccine schedule. This new schedule is in line with recommendations of the EPI review undertaken in 2010.

Dr. Rufaro Chatora, WR Tanzania delivered his message on behalf of the UN Agencies in Tanzania. He congratulated the Government of Tanzania for making a high level decision and commitment towards organizing the Immunization Week in the Country and called for more efforts to ensure all unvaccinated and under vaccinated children are reached.

Dr Chatora said the decision of having the African Immunization Week was made by Ministers of Health during their Regional Committee meeting in 2010. He stated the goal of conducting the Immunization week as to strengthen the immunization programme in the country by drawing attention and increasing awareness of the importance of every person's (particularly every child and woman) need and right to be protected from vaccinepreventable diseases. This is to underscore the importance of immunization in saving lives, and encourage families to vaccinate their children against deadly diseases.

He emphasized that in order to achieve the MDG number 4: Reduction of Child mortality in Tanzania, translated well into the National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty (MKUKUTA) we need to sustain the success and intensify our efforts in strengthening immunization services.

Dr. Chatora highlighted the importance of immunization and concluded by reiterating the assurance of the UN agencies continued support for the implementation of immunization services in the country.

Other activities for the occasion were role plays, traditional dances, live band music and immunization services.

World Immunization Week launched on 23rd april 2012 in Tanzania