Eritrea Committed to Maintain High Immunization Coverage – African Business
Eritrea maintains the highest immunization coverage. According to a report by the UNICEF, Eritrea registered significant increase in vaccine intake in 2020 as compared to 2019, which is an increase of 14% immunization coverage. The success is the result of the proactive efforts of Eritrea’s Ministry of Health (MoH) which is seen in its commitment to intensify community mobilization as well as enhance access to rural communities through its integrated mobile outreach services all over the country.
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WHO reports that Eritrea is one among the countries in Africa that have reached MDG 4 as well as one of the few countries that are on track for MDG5. These reports indicate that the country is working with partners in order to achieve SDG related goals. The reports by UNICIEF and WHO corroborate the country’s all-time commitment to ensure societal wellbeing despite challenges of any kind.
Prior to 1991, all social services and especially healthcare services in the country were restricted to urban areas with less than 10% immunization coverage. Children younger than one year received lower vaccine shots, which were limited only to 6 vaccine types.
Eritrea’s commitment to ensure the prevalence of social justice has been clear from the onset. In the immediate aftermath of the country’s independence, social services were evenly and strategically developed across the country. As such, ensuring the well-being and health of children and women has been a positive thing.
Tedros Yehdego is the Manager of Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) at MoH. He stated that all 349 hospitals in the county have the capability to deliver an efficient immunization service, while 301 are actively involved in routine vaccination services six times a week.
Mobile clinics offer immunization services at around 450 outreach locations, as well as prenatal and postnatal healthcare services to mothers as well as other healthcare services every two months. Additional nutritional packages were offered to children under five years old, and anti-mosquito nets were distributed in high-risk areas. Tedros stated that vaccination teams have visited outreach areas to provide immunization services and also to address health-related problems in all remote areas. The immunization service has been a gateway to remote areas in order to provide other healthcare services to those who live in less populated and scattered areas.
BCG, Diphtherias, Pertussiss, Tetanuss, Polio, and Measles are the six traditional vaccines that have been administered in Eritrea since 1980. In an effort to prevent contagious diseases from spreading, the Government introduced new vaccines to help combat them.
In 2002, the Hepatitis B vaccine and the Haemophilus Influenza type A vaccine were introduced. Haemophilus Influenza type B, a high-risk condition in infants younger than 5 years, was introduced in 2002. In 2008, Haemophilus Influenza type B vaccine was introduced in 2008.
All of the new vaccines are intended to ensure the health and well-being of the Eritrean people. Eritrea responds immediately to any potential healthcare risk. To alleviate the health burden of infants, Eritrea introduced Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine(PCV) in 2015. In 2018, Rubella vaccine (Cruella vaccine) was introduced to eliminate congenital Rubella Syndrome and related complications. Measels-Rubella vaccine also includes Rubella vaccine.
Mr. Tedros clarified the reason for the introduction of Meningococcal Vaccine in 2019 saying that Eritrea is in a region known as meningitis belt — a geographical location comprising 26 countries. Adi-Quala and the surrounding areas of Tserona (Senafe), Senafe Tesenai, Lalay-Gash are at risk. In an effort to reduce the potential burden, a nationwide immunization campaign targeted approximately 2.8million young adults and children (1-30 year old)
As part of the global effort needed to eradicate vaccine preventable disease, Eritrea continues its immunization efforts. The routine immunization service has never been delayed. In all healthcare facilities, regular Meningococcal Vaccine is now available for infants aged 18 months.
Mr. Tedros says that Measles has been eliminated from Eritrea’s healthcare system. In 2018, a nationwide Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign for children aged between 1 and 14 years was conducted. Infants are given measles vaccinations at nine months and 18 months of age in a series that includes two doses. This ensures that they receive a higher level of immunization.
The MoH has made all necessary preparations for the introduction of HPV vaccine to female children aged 9-14 years in 2022. Mr. Tedros stated that 75% of the target group are easily reachable in schools. Therefore, the MoH is working with the Ministry of Education in order to achieve the desired goal. The MoH and administrative agencies will jointly administer the HPV vaccine to 25% of the remaining population. A routine vaccination service for female children aged 9 years will be offered once the national campaign against HPV has been completed. As a coordinated strategy to prevent cervical carcinoma and to alleviate reproductive health problems, HPV vaccine will be introduced.
Due to the extensive immunization campaigns that were carried out in Eritrea, measles and other respiratory illnesses are no longer a major healthcare problem. This success is not due to immunization alone, but the combined effect of healthcare services such that those provided to prevent malaria, HIV, and malnutrition. Eritrea has made it so that measles, polio and death are no longer a burden.
Eritrea continues to work to prevent cross-virus importation. This is why it deploys mobile teams four days a year in all subzones that are close to neighboring countries. All in all, 14 vaccines have been included in national immunization coverage. Mr. Tedros stresses that Eritrea has an average 95% immunization coverage, which is confirmed and supported by UNICEF/WHO.
Eritrea’s huge achievements in healthcare have earned it four awards. These awards are for its sustainable and highest immunization coverage, as well as other achievements. In 2009, Eritrea received the Hanoi, Vietnam award for its highest immunization coverage. In 2016, Eritrea was honored in Uganda with an award in appreciation of Vaccine Stock Management, Equitable Distribution, and in 2017 in Rwanda with an award in recognition effective vaccine management. An event in Nairobi, Kenya in June 2022 awarded Eritrea for its Exceptional Achievements in Vaccine Storage Management.
The extensive vaccination campaigns carried out in Eritrea over the years have increased people’s awareness which resulted in higher immunization demand in Eritrea. Because vaccines are essential for building a healthy society and preventing disease, administrative bodies and communities have been actively involved in the success of all vaccination programs. It is clear that investing in mothers and children is investing in the country’s better tomorrow. Since 2002, Eritrea is Tetanus-free.
Tedros stated that preparations are being made to introduce new vaccines, such as the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth in 2023 and the Malaria vaccine in 2024. The Government’s commitment to the country and the engagement by the Eritreans will continue make a difference.
Distributed by APO Group for Ministry of Information, Eritrea
APO has issued this Press Release. APO has issued this Press Release. The content has not been reviewed by African Business’ editorial team. The content of this announcement is solely at the issuer’s responsibility.
Source: african.business
