SAMI ABDULRAOUF (DUBAI)
The UAE marks World Immunisation Week, which is celebrated every year in the last week of April, to highlight the importance of vaccines and promote their use to protect people of all ages from diseases.
World Immunisation Week 2024 urges saving lives through immunisation to prevent diseases through vaccines, improving the health conditions of communities, and calling on countries to increase investments in immunisation programmes to protect future generations.
World Immunisation Week, established in 2012, runs from April 24 to 30, under the slogan: “Humanly Possible: Saving Lives Through Immunisation”, and this year’s celebration coincides with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 50th anniversary of its Expanded Programme on Immunisation.
Federal and local health authorities organise many educational, awareness-raising events and activities as part of World Immunisation Week 2024, including interactive and innovative activities targeting healthcare employees, scientific events presented to decision-makers, along with healthcare providers and experts in the field of vaccinations.
The events also include workshops focusing on vaccinations and the most important challenges faced during vaccination, with a focus on finding appropriate solutions to encourage and motivate targeted groups to get vaccinated, in addition to disseminating numerous awareness messages on social media platforms.
The UAE is a global leader in vaccinations. Globally exemplary, its National Immunisation Programme is considered one of the most successful preventive programmes, thanks to the unlimited support of the wise leadership.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), in cooperation with other health authorities, is keen to raise awareness of the importance of vaccinations and their effective role in reducing infectious diseases targeted by vaccinations and increasing vaccine coverage rates, with the aim of improving public health in society, promoting preventive awareness and adherence.
MoHAP supports improving health indicators and the scheduled immunisation programme in order to raise vaccination coverage rates to 99% and above, with an emphasis on the safety and efficacy of vaccines and adherence to the best global practices.
In observance of World Immunisation Week, the UAE has launched a series of scientific and public awareness initiatives aimed at emphasising the critical role of vaccinations across all age groups. The national campaign aligns with the country’s vaccination schedule and seeks to bolster educational outreach with compelling messages on the necessity of immunisation.
This year’s theme for World Immunisation Week underscores the urgency for vaccines to remain at the forefront of governmental healthcare agendas worldwide. The call to action calls for the integration of vaccines into lifelong healthcare planning and investment, demanding sustained funding and resource allocation for vaccination programmes globally. The week also highlights the need to expedite research and innovation to broaden vaccine accessibility and support, while also quantifying the impact of vaccines.
The UAE’s exemplary vaccine utilisation serves as a testament to its visionary leadership and robust healthcare infrastructure. The nation’s health authorities are poised for future advancements in vaccine development and distribution, bolstered by sound leadership that provides a clear strategic vision and the support of a science-driven leadership. Among the notable achievements is the local provision of malaria vaccinations, complementing the UAE’s commitment to reducing global malaria incidence by 90% by 2030.