African countries resolve to step up efforts to tackle vaccine preventable diseases
Cotonou, Benin. 5 November 2014 - Countries in the WHO African Region have resolved to stop the spread of polio, and eliminate measles, tetanus in newborn babies and control other vaccine preventable diseases. It is estimated that over three million children under five years old, die each year in the WHO African Region and a significant number of these deaths could be prevented by vaccines.
At the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, Ministers of health agreed to fully implement the new Regional Immunization Strategic Plan for 2014-2020 to ensure that every child is protected through immunization and also address any gaps in existing immunization programmes.
Following an independent review of how the Regional Immunization Strategic Plan from 2009-2013 was implemented, it was concluded that, there has been commendable progress in combating vaccine preventable diseases. For example, more than 150 million people in the ‘meningitis belt’ in (12 countries) have been vaccinated with MenAfriVac since 2010, with no confirmed case of meningitis A identified among the vaccinated populations. An annual African Vaccination Week established in 2011 has contributed to improvement in service delivery and more people getting vaccinated. Furthermore the Region has witnessed a significant decrease in the number of wild poliovirus cases and additional vac-cines have been introduced into national immunization schedules. However despite the progress made, many challenges remain to be addressed.
“A lot more needs to be done if the regional targets of immunization programmes for 2020 are to be achieved. Gaps in immunization coverage, coordination and management of immunization activities, lack of skilled health workers, inadequate vaccines and cold storage capacity, low community engagement, weak systems surveillance are some of the challenges requiring urgent attention” said Dr Luis Sambo, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
The Regional Immunization Strategic Plan 2014-2020 has been developed to tackle a number of critical barriers that have hindered progress towards achieving universal immunization coverage within the Region. The Plan puts emphasis on extending the benefits of new vaccines to all, integrating immuniza-tion into national health policy and plans, improving data quality, vaccine safety and regulation and promoting research and innovation among others. Building national capacity, enhancing partnerships and strengthening financing are some of the critical areas highlighted in the plan.
In addition to tackling vaccine preventable diseases, the 2014-2020 Plan will also contribute to the overall strengthening of immunization services at all levels including during humanitarian emergencies.
“Attaining these objectives require political commitment, dedicated global, regional and broad-based local partnerships in order to ensure the availability and efficient use of resources”, the Regional Direc-tor added.
It is estimated that US$ 17.2 billion will be needed to achieve the targets in the Regional Strategic Plan for Immunization. In 2010, the Sixtieth WHO Regional Committee for Africa called on countries to integrate immunization into national health development policy and plans, and to increase financing.
Subsequent decisions by the Regional Committee and the World Health Assembly urged countries to accelerate their efforts by providing adequate resources and developing the immunization component of their national health strategy and plans.
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For further information contact:
Dr Youssouf Gamatié
Tel: + 229 301753
Email: gamatiey [at] who.int
Dr Francis Kasolo
Tel+ 229 61694092
Email: kasolof [at] who.int
C. Boakye-Agyemang
Tel: +229 60694057 +242 066142401
Email: boakyeagyemangc [at] who.int
François Agossou
Tel : + 229 301753 ; + 229 97290254
Email: agossouf [at] who.int
Samuel Ajibola
Tel: +4724139174
Email: ajibolas [at] who.int