UAE observes World Immunization Week

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) officials on Thursday urged parents and guardians to know and follow the instructions and advice of physicians and other health workers regarding vaccinations.

MoHaP-Health Centers and Clinics undersecretary Dr. Hussein Abdel Rahman Al-Rand also assured that the government agency is “keen to continue the provision of vaccines to enhance community immunity, immunize society against infectious diseases and encourage parents to visit primary healthcare centers to maintain their health and the health of their children, and avoid diseases by ensuring the safety of vaccines for children and adults.”

Concurrently the National Committee for the Implementation of the Provision of International Health Regulations and Prevention of Pandemics chairman, Al-Rand issued the assurance as the “World Immunization Week” is observed from April 24 to 30.

The World Health Organization (WHO) which spearheads all global activities related to the promotion of more awareness and adherence to the importance of all vaccines, particularly in these crucial times of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) has chosen the theme “Vaccines Work For All.”

In focus are the nurses and midwives--not only because 2020 is the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife--but more importantly, they are the principal assistants of physicians and other medical specialists through all immunization programs.

In his message as he brought up the worrisome situation of 20 million unreached children around the world who definitely need all the help, WHO director general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated: “Vaccines are one of our most important tools for preventing and keeping the world safe. While most children today are being vaccinated, far too many are left behind.”

Ghebreyesus said majority of those without access to all vaccinations are “the poorest, the most marginalized, those touched by conflict or forced from their homes.”