The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has joined the world in commemorating World Immunization Week being celebrated globally under the theme "The Big Catch Up”, by launching a vaccine awareness campaign in coordination with health authorities.
The annual campaign will involve educational activities, scientific seminars, and innovative awareness lectures aimed at highlighting the importance of vaccination, increasing demand for immunization services, and emphasizing the importance of completing vaccines and doses prescribed in the National Immunization Program.
Taking place from April 24 to 30, World Immunization Week is a global event that’s meant to emphasize the need for joint and integrated efforts to promote the use of vaccines and safeguard individuals of all ages from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Ministry stated that the scientific and awareness activities during World Immunization Week will focus on three key areas. Firstly, raising awareness among community members about the importance of vaccinations for individuals of all ages as per the national immunization schedules.
Secondly, intensifying educational activities by disseminating awareness messages on the importance of receiving vaccines. Lastly, enhancing the capabilities of healthcare workers by educating them on the latest global vaccination recommendations. Additionally, the annual event aims to reduce the health, social, and economic burden caused by preventable diseases through upping vaccine coverage.
UAE: World leader in vaccinations
HE Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, emphasized that the UAE is a world leader in vaccinations thanks to the National Immunization Program, which has become one of the most effective preventive programs, and is now a model for others to follow.
Dr Al Rand reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to collaborating with health authorities in order to enhance awareness about the importance of vaccinations and their effectiveness in reducing infectious diseases targeted by vaccines. “We look forward to increasing vaccine coverage and improving public health in the community, while enhancing preventive awareness and commitment to it. This will support the National Immunization Program and help us raise vaccine coverage rates to 99% and above, according to the dates of the National Immunization Program,” Al Rand, said, adding that vaccines are safe and secure and follow international best practices.
Awareness Campaigns
For her part, Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Department of Public Health and Prevention, stated that World Immunization Week 2023 has strategic pillars aimed at intensifying awareness campaigns across various media and social communication channels. The event also seeks to enhance coordination among health authorities and promote cooperation in conducting training workshops for health workers. These workshops will focus on discussing new developments and building confidence in the safety and efficacy of vaccines, as well as emphasizing the significance of taking vaccines and completing the necessary doses to protect both individuals and the community.