By RufatDespite significant progress in the world in reducing the incidence of measles, it remains one of the major infectious diseases, leading to infant mortality. In total, measles accounted for more than 10% of deaths registered among children under 5 years of age. In 2004, the WHO and the European Office set a target of elimination of measles and rubella and preventing congenital rubella syndrome infections by the year 2010. Within the framework of the Strategic Plan for the elimination of measles and rubella, as well as the prevention of congenital rubella syndrome in the Republic of Tajikistan the Ministry of Health of Republic of Tajikistan decided to conduct national immunization days against measles and rubella.National immunization days against measles and rubella in Tajikistan will be held from 28 September-12October 2009. The aim during the National immunization week is to cover at least 95% of the target groups. Vaccination is carried out regardless of prior vaccination status, and previous infection with measles or rubella.
Mass vaccination against measles and rubella intends to covers the following target groups: Children and adolescents aged from 12 months to 14 years of age.Implementation of the National Immunization Days in the Republic of Tajikistan will be carried out in close cooperation with technical and financial support of the international community like the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Centers for Disease Control United States (CDC) are amongst the few lending support.
The WHO Regional Office for Europe welcomes the decision of the Republic of Tajikistan in carrying out such an important event and has been supporting the Ministry of Health in preparation and conduction of NIDs.
The WHO Regional office for Europe provides support to the Ministry of Health in Preparing the necessary documentation and its replication, Training of specialists on the preparation and conduction of NIDs, epidemiological surveillance, for adverse effects following immunization (NPPI), vaccination teams for safety vaccination, microplanning,the procurement of emergency kits, Monitoring Support of virological laboratory, etc.
The Ministry of Health with the support of WHO prepared and distributed the necessary manuals to health workers .Conducted a national, regional and district workshops to prepare and conduct NIDs. The micro-planning will be completed in the days to come.
It's a pitty that we don't have vaccine for all wide spread illnesses as it is much easier to prevent them this way than to solve the sources of contamination.
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