African Vaccination Week Lesotho
The third annual African Vaccination Week (AVW) was commemorated this week in Mafeteng district, Lesotho highlighting this year’s global theme: “Saves lives prevent disabilities, vaccinate”.
The occasion was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO and UNICEF and was graced by the presence of the Honorable Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Nthabiseng Makoae, WHO Country Representative, Dr. Jacob Mufunda, Dr. Victor Ankrah, Health Advisor from UNICEF and NGOs such as EGPAF, World Vision, and Red Cross. The community, schools and the media were also present for the celebration.
In her statement, the Honorable Deputy Minister indicated that Lesotho started celebrating the AVW, which runs across the region from 22nd -28th April, by offering intensified daily free immunization services in all hospitals and clinics to under-fives so that every Mosotho child gets an opportunity to be vaccinated against killer diseases and receives vital supplementary Vitamin A, which boosts immune systems.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that this year’s theme encourages people everywhere to vaccinate their children against deadly diseases for it is their right to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines available in Lesotho protect against diseases including diphtheria, measles, pertussis, polio, influenza, hemophilic influenza, hepatitis B and tetanus.
Dr. Piet McPherson, Director of Clinical Services, who spoke on behalf of Director General of Health Services, highlighted that the purpose of the launching of the African Vaccination Week was to raise awareness on the life-saving value of immunization, encourage families to vaccinate their children to prevent diseases, increase vaccination coverage and help transform the lives of millions of children, giving them a chance to grow up healthy.
Dr. Mufunda, who read the Regional Director’s message, highlighted that the African Region is making good progress in addressing vaccine-preventable diseases and as a result, 89% reduction in measles mortality was achieved between 2000 and 2009. He also noted that after the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus had been validated in the Region by the end of 2012, Hepatitis B and Hib vaccines have been introduced. New vaccines such as pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and rotavirus vaccines will be launched this year in Lesotho.
In his remarks, Dr. Victor Ankrah, the Health Advisor from UNICEF, highlighted that in launching AVW, Lesotho will be placing the health of its children at the top of their agenda as well as demonstrating its commitment to the Millennium Development Goals. He indicated that Lesotho is reporting a decline in immunization coverage to around 60%, which is exposing the country to disease outbreaks which could reverse gains already made through other child survival interventions.
The event concluded with drama and songs conveying this year’s theme being presented by different groups from the community.
