Disease elimination takes center stage at Vaccination Week in the Americas launch – PAHO/WHO

Panama City, Panama, April 28, 2025 (PAHO) – The 23rd edition of the Vaccination Week in the Americas began today in Panama City, underlining the fundamental role of immunization to achieve and maintain the elimination of communicable diseases throughout the region.

«Since 2003, the Vaccination Week in the Americas has been a cornerstone of the public health efforts of our region, promoting the vaccination of more than 1.2 billion people in 40 countries and territories,» said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, director of the Pan American Health Organization, during his opening speech. However, he emphasized: «The leadership of our region in vaccination goes beyond this week.»

The Americas has a remarkable legacy in immunization, having successfully eliminated smallpox in 1974 (later eradicated), followed by polyomyelitis, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome and neonatal tetanus.

In 2023, Paho revived his disease elimination initiative, a bold commitment to eliminate more than 30 diseases and related conditions of the Americas by 2030, 11 of which the vaccine can be prevented.

In his speech, the director of the PAHO highlighted the ambitious goal of the Americas to eliminate cervical cancer, a disease that tragically claims the life of more than 40,000 women in the region annually.

The HPV vaccine is a highly effective vaccine that will allow us to eliminate cervical cancer and other types of cancer, «he said.» During this week of vaccination in the Americas, the countries will administer more than 17.7 million doses of HPV vaccines. «

When it comes to routine vaccination programs, Dr. Barbosa also pointed out that although «the Americas are the only region in the world that has recovered and exceeded the levels of pre-pondemic vaccination coverage», there is still a crucial work to achieve and maintain the objective of 95%. Significant vulnerabilities persist, with 1.3 million children under 1 age who continue to lose the essential immunizations that save life.

«The gaps in the vaccination coverage against measles, papers and rubella (MMR) have led to outbreaks located in six countries,» warned the director of the PAHO. «To stop the spread of this highly contagious disease, we urgently need to strengthen our rapid response surveillance systems, while we close these immunization gaps»

«Vaccination is an act of love. It’s about protecting us, but also the people we love most,» said Honorable Maricel Cohen de Mulino, First Lady of Panama. «Today, Panama raises his voice to health and prevention. As a country, as a people, and as families, we reaffirm our commitment to protect each other and share our experiences with the entire region.»

During this year’s vaccination week, the counties will administer 2.5 million doses of vaccines containing sarampos that, together with microplanning to ensure that each child is protected regardless of their location, will contribute to stop the virus more effectively.

«In Paho, we will continue working closely with our Member States to cultivate consciousness and confidence in vaccines that the Vaccination Week walks,» said Dr. Barbosa, also underlining the critical role of the Reloving Paho Fund, a regional grouped acquisition mechanism that facilitates time access to vital vaccines and supplies at more favorable prices.

«We must take this opportunity to maintain our vaccination leadership, close immunization gaps and, ultimately, save more lives,» he concluded.

Vaccination Week in the Americas

The Vaccination Week in the Americas is a vital regional initiative dedicated to promoting equity and guaranteeing access to immunization in all countries in the region of the Americas. This year’s issue, «his decision makes a difference. Immunization for all,» emphasizes the pressing need to avoid the spread of diseases that threaten life and safeguard the health of people, families and communities equally.

Also present at the regional launch were distinguished guests, including Maricel Cohen de Mulino, the first lady of Panama; Fernando Boyd Galindo, Minister of Health of Panama; Ana Rivere-Cinnamond, the representative of PAHO/WHO in Panama; as well as other high -ranking health officials of the entire region.