The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) organized a scientific webinar to highlight the importance of vaccinations in combating vaccine-preventable diseases and enhancing the capacities of health personnel as part of the National Immunization Programme and in conjunction with World Immunization Week.
The event is part of MoHAP's activities during World Immunization Week, which is celebrate from 24th to 30th April, and aims to increase vaccination coverage rates for all segments of society.
HE Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector and Chairman of the National Immunization Committee, HE Dr. Nada Al-Marzouqi, Director of the Department of Public Health and Prevention in the Ministry, HE Dr. Laila Al Jasmi, Head of Communicable Diseases and Immunization Department and the Director of the Expanded Immunization Programme, as well as experts and consultants in the infectious diseases and public health field attended the webinar.
Dr. Hussein Al Rand stated in his opening remarks that the ministry's participation in this global event aims to improve the national indicator of vaccination coverage rate for all community members in order to protect them from diseases by ensuring the safety of vaccines for children, school students, adults, travelers, and the elderly.
"We also seek to raise vaccination coverage rates to 99 percent and above, as part of the ministry’s strategy to cement the preventive aspect in innovative and sustainable ways that ensure society’s immunization from diseases," he added.
Al Rand commended the wise leadership's unwavering support for achieving a world-class healthcare system in accordance with healthcare quality indicators, as well as implementing global goals and strategies related to immunization programs.
He further maintained that these strategies, which are based on global best practices and recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aim to provide basic vaccinations free of charge in order to achieve a society free of vaccine-preventable diseases.
National Immunization Program
"The webinar's goal is to raise awareness among health personnel about the latest vaccine global recommendations and the importance of increasing vaccine coverage rates," said Dr. Nada Al-Marzouqi, adding "The webinar, which coincides with World Immunization Week, is held in collaboration with health authorities to spread awareness about the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages, in accordance with the national immunization program and other relevant programs. It is also a component of educational activities aimed at emphasizing the importance of vaccines in the prevention of infectious diseases."
In addition, Dr. Laila Al Jasmi reviewed the topics discussed by the consultants and experts during the scientific session. This includes the importance of introducing vaccine benefits to everyone, vaccination of adults to gain access to vaccine benefits in immunizing community health, and the impact of high vaccination coverage in reducing disease burden in healthcare settings.
During the webinar, a video was also screened highlighting the importance of compliance with vaccination schedules to boost herd immunity and eliminate diseases, thereby improving community health.