The issuance of this joint statement is in response to the World Immunization Week from April 24-30.
According to WHO and UNICEF, if vaccination continues to be disrupted, those diseases could return, and the world could see vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks.
    |
 |
|
vaccines are a safe, effective and life-saving tool against certain diseases |
Data from around the world indicate that more than 117 million children are at risk of missing out on measles vaccines globally due to the pandemic, and Vietnam is not an exception. In Vietnam, there has seen a decrease in vaccine coverage and the occurrence of measles and pertussis cases in the first quarter of 2020.
In fact, vaccines are a safe, effective and life-saving tool against certain diseases that can be deadly for children. Immunization can also protect adolescents, adults, older people, and they keep whole communities safe. Vietnam strives to improve immunization services across the country while the Vietnamese Ministry of Health works on the basis of scientific evidence to build confidence, trust and demand for vaccination among communities and to counter misinformation spread online. WHO and UNICEF are committed to continue providing fact-based information on vaccines to health authorities, to the public in general and to parents in particular with so that everyone can make informed decisions.
The joint statement also notes that while Vietnam is on a path to success in containing the spread of COVID-19 now, the fight against that disease may continue for years to come. It should be everyone’s priority to start planning on how we can continue to provide essential health services – including immunization – at any stage of the pandemic.
Both organizations are encouraging health services to reach out, and parents to prioritize securing vaccination to protect their children. It is time to set up a plan for routine immunization to return to normal while ensuring social distancing and the safety of health workers and communities.
UNICEF and WHO affirm that they stand ready to continue their support to the Government of Vietnam in this effort.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed what is at stake when communities do not have the protective shield of immunization against an infectious disease. We need to build on past and current experiences to better prepare for future disease outbreaks, and we must act now to develop appropriate strategies with political and financial commitment to protect existing and future immunization services. Let’s join hands to save lives with immunizations readily available to everyone," according to the joint statement.
Song Anh