Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has kicked off the 22nd edition of Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) 2024, rallying under the banner “Engage now to protect your future #GetVax”.
Leading the inaugural ceremony was Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), accompanied by esteemed health authorities and regional partners.
Dr. Barbosa emphasized the pivotal role of Vaccination Week as PAHO’s flagship initiative, instrumental in delivering vaccines to over 1.15 billion individuals across the region.
Charting progress and challenges
Dr. Daniel Salas, Executive Manager of PAHO’s Special Programme for Comprehensive Immunization, provided an update on vaccination coverage, highlighting that it has yet to rebound to pre-pandemic levels.
Dr. Barbosa underscored the necessity of concerted efforts to restore the performance of the regional immunization program, emphasizing the need for heightened effectiveness and efficiency.
Insights from regional experts
A panel of distinguished experts, including Belize’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard; Chile’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ximena Aguilera; and Venezuela’s Vice Minister of Collective Health Networks, Dr. Jesús Osteicochea, shared insights, achievements, and lessons learned from their respective countries.
They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the future of immunization programs in the Americas.
Global support and diplomatic contributions
Director of the Bureau of Health Security, Ambassador John Nkengasong, and Dr. Mary Munive from the Diplomacy of the US Department of State, conveyed video messages, underlining international solidarity and support for the initiative.
Addressing challenges and forging ahead
Participants engaged in discussions addressing the region’s challenges and needs, emphasizing the necessity of political commitment to prioritize investment and resources for essential health services.
They explored strategies to adapt vaccination programs and design communication approaches that facilitate access to evidence-based information.
Combatting misinformation and promoting equitable access
Dr. Barbosa stressed the importance of countering vaccine misinformation and enhancing the capacities of health professionals to effectively communicate the importance and safety of vaccines to the population.
Celebrating VWA 2024: A call for equity and access
This year, Vaccination Week in the Americas is observed from April 20-27, promoting vaccines as an integral component of a healthy and active life.
VWA serves as a regional initiative aimed at promoting equity and access to vaccination across all countries of the Americas.
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