Immunization
Immunization programs represent
one of the great public health success stories for USAID.
The Agency has provided technical and commodity assistance
to more than 100 countries in support of child immunization
programs. This assistance has been directed at increasing
demand for immunization services, training health workers,
strengthening planning capacity, improving the quality
of services delivered, and upgrading vaccine logistics.
As a result of these efforts by USAID and other partners,
full DPT immunization has risen worldwide from 37 percent
in 1980 to 74 percent in 1999.
USAID is also working closely with its international
partners to bring more attention to this important
child health intervention and generate greater resources,
from both the public and private sectors,
to help countries improve their capacity to deliver
lifesaving vaccines. A major element in this effort
has been USAID’s
participation in the Global Alliance for Vaccines and
Immunization, the Vaccine Fund and its
collaboration with private sector groups
such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. USAID
remains committed to providing technical support to
national immunization programs through
the "Boost Immunization Initiative," bilateral and
regional programs, as well as support for nongovernmental organizations
and private voluntary organizations.
Through these mechanisms, USAID has stressed the introduction of new technologies such as vaccine vial monitors and safer injection equipment, as well as increased use of underutilized vaccines against hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). It is estimated that effective vaccination against hepatitis B and Hib would prevent an additional two million deaths per year. The promise for new vaccines looks equally encouraging. New vaccines that provide protection from acute respiratory infections, diarrhea and meningitis are being developed and will be available in the near future. A vaccine against malaria is also in the development stage and may be available within the next decade. USAID is working to guarantee the sustainability of existing immunization programs to ensure that the remarkable gains of the EPI program will continue and that the potential benefits offered by new technologies and new vaccines can be fully realized in the future.
Immunization Programs
- Are one of the most cost-effective health interventions,
preventing approximately 2.5 million deaths each
year in developing countries
- Could prevent an additional three
million childhood deaths with full coverage of all
children of existing vaccines; and many more with
the introduction of underutilized vaccines, such
as Haemophilus influenzae Type B (Hib), Hepatitis
B, and yellow fever. New vaccines on the horizon,
developed to prevent specific types of pneumonia,
meningitis, and diarrheal disease, also hold promise
for the world's children.
- Now reach nearly three-fourths
of children around the world with their complete
series of DPT immunizations
- Improve labor productivity by preventing lifelong
disability associated with polio and other disabling
diseases
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