OPS realiza lanzamiento regional de la Semana de Vacunación de las Américas 2024 – OPS/OMS

Washington DC April 22, 2024 (PAHO/WHO) – Under the motto “Act now to protect your future #GetVaccinated,” the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) launched the 22nd edition of Vaccination Week in the Americas ( SVA) 2024, in a ceremony that included the participation of Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, as host of the event, as well as high-level health authorities and regional partners, who have been key to the success of the immunization program . In the americas.

“As an emblematic initiative of our Organization, Vaccination Week has been fundamental in providing vaccines to more than 1.15 billion people throughout the Region,” said Dr. Barbosa.

The Executive Manager of the PAHO Special Comprehensive Immunization Program, Dr. Daniel Salas, presented an update on the figures regarding vaccination coverage, which have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. That is why “our greatest effort must be directed toward recovering the performance of our regional immunization program and maximizing its effectiveness and efficiency,” added Dr. Barbosa.

During the launch ceremony there was a panel of experts made up of the Hon. Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Welfare of Belize; Dr. Ximena Aguilera, Minister of Health of Chile, and Dr. Jesús Osteicochea, Vice Minister of Collective Health Networks of the Ministry of Popular Power for Health of Venezuela, who presented national experiences, shared achievements, lessons learned and, in addition, reiterated their future commitment to the immunization program of the Americas.

Video messages were also delivered by Ambassador John Nkengasong, Director of the Office of Health Security and Diplomacy of the United States Department of State; Dr. Mary Munive, Vice President and Minister of Health of Costa Rica; Dr. Nisia Trinidade, Minister of Health of Brazil; Dr. Theresa Tam, Head of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and Dr. Eladio Pérez, Vice Minister of Collective Health of the Dominican Republic.

At the event, some challenges facing the region were addressed, such as: the political commitment to prioritize investment and resources for essential health services, the adaptation of the offer of vaccination programs and the design of communication strategies that facilitate access to evidence-based information. “It is important to counter false information regarding vaccines; strengthen the capacities of health professionals, so that they can accurately communicate to the population about the importance and safety of vaccines,” said Dr. Barbosa.

This year, the SVA is celebrated from April 20 to 27 and seeks to highlight that vaccines are a fundamental part of a healthy and active life. In addition, it is a regional initiative that aims to promote equity and access to vaccination in all countries of the Americas.