PAHO launches Vaccination Week in America 2024

WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched the 22nd edition of Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) 2024 under the slogan “Engage now to protect your future #GetVax”.

The launching ceremony was led by the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, as well as other high-level health authorities and regional partners, who have been key to the success of immunization programs in the Americas, including the Caribbean.

“Our organization’s flagship initiative, Vaccination Week, has played an important role in providing vaccines to more than 1.15 billion people across the region,” said Dr. Barbosa.

During the launch, Executive Manager of PAHO’s Special Program for Expanded Immunization, Dr. Daniel Salas, presented an update on vaccination coverage, which has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels.

That is why “our efforts must be focused on restoring the performance of our regional immunization program and maximizing its effectiveness and efficiency,” Barbosa said.

During the launch, PAHO said that a panel of experts – including Belize Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard; Minister of Health of Chile, Dr. Ximena Aguilera; and Vice Minister of Collective Health Networks of the Ministry of Popular Power of Health of Venezuela, Dr. Jesús Osteicochea, presented experiences, achievements and lessons learned from their countries.

The experts also reiterated their commitment to the future of America’s immunization program.

Video messages were delivered by Bureau of Health Security Director Ambassador John Nkengasong and US Department of State diplomats Dr. Mary Munive and others.

During the event, PAHO said participants discussed some of the challenges and needs facing the region, including the political commitment to prioritize investments and resources for essential healthcare services, adapting the supply of vaccination programs and designing communication strategies that facilitate access to evidence-based information. .

“It is important to counter false information about vaccines and strengthen the capacities of health professionals so that they can accurately communicate the importance and safety of vaccines to the population,” said Dr. Barbosa.

PAHO said this year’s Vaccination Week in America will be celebrated from April 20 to 27 and “seeks to promote vaccines as a fundamental part of healthy and active living.”

VWA is also a regional initiative that “aims to promote equity and access to vaccination in all countries of the Americas.”