PAHO joins forces with Canada to reverse declining immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases in Haiti – PAHO/WHO

Washington, DC, October 18, 2023 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Government of Canada today announced the launch of a joint initiative to help Haiti expand vaccination against potentially fatal vaccine-preventable diseases , including polio and measles. , diphtheria and tetanus

The association, which is part of Canada’s Global Vaccine Equity Initiative (CanGIVE), will inject more than 6 million Canadian dollars (about US$4.4 million) in the Haitian health system to reinforce vaccination outreach and operations throughout the country. The contribution was announced by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the first Canada-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Summitscheduled for October 17-19, 2023 in Ottawa.

“Our national immunization programs have suffered serious setbacks over the past decade,” PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said recently. “We have witnessed reductions in vaccination coverage rates, inadequate sustainable financing for immunizations, and growing vaccine hesitancy linked in part to misinformation.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this decline, the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks is now “at its highest level in 30 years,” he added.

The risk of disease outbreaks in Haiti is compounded by a precarious security situation that has recently pushed thousands of people into makeshift shelters and is preventing the proper functioning of health facilities, with several hospitals and clinics struggling to provide essential health services.

Through CanGIVE, PAHO and Canada will work together to help Haiti vaccinate its population against COVID-19, as well as against diseases included in the regional immunization program, such as polio, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, measles , diphtheria and neonatal tetanus.

CanGIVE will focus on reaching marginalized communities in Haiti, including people living in deep urban and rural poverty. The program will strengthen gender-responsive vaccination operations that meet the needs of women and girls, who are also often marginalized.

Additionally, the CanGIVE collaboration will support communication efforts to build vaccine confidence among the general population and increase vaccine adoption in the country.

CanGIVE is also being carried out in Jamaica and Colombia with similar objectives: to address vaccine hesitancy, increase equitable access to vaccination, and protect the lives and health of the most vulnerable population groups.

“With CanGIVE’s contribution, we can help Haiti begin to reverse the decline in routine vaccination,” said Dr. Oscar Barreneche, PAHO Representative in Haiti.