DUSHANBE, 21.04.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – European Immunization Week is taking place in Tajikistan. The event will run from April 20 through April 26.

Deputies of the Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan Saida Umarzoda, Mirhamuddin Kamolzoda, directors and heads of a number of health facilities and media representatives attended the opening ceremony.

“Tajik government has been annually increasing funding for this area of health care, which is one of priority areas. Eleven million somoni was allocated for children’s vaccination in 2018. In 2020 the amount will reach 17 million somoni,” said Umarzoda.

“Combating and preventing infectious diseases is one of the main goals of the entire health sector. Prevention of such diseases with the use of vaccines is very effective and relatively inexpensive,” noted Umarzoda.

“Immunization is an investment in the health and well-being of children throughout their lives. Due to vaccines, most children and adults in the WHO European region have been immunized against measles, mumps, diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus. Additionally, the number of people seeking immunizations against pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus and hepatitis B virus is increasing daily because they are aware of their seriously grave consequences,” added Umarzoda.

“Vaccination aims to prevent hepatitis B, tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps and other infectious diseases and is done in children under the age of six,” said Director General of the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis Zafarjon Azizov.

Immunization saves nearly 6 million children’s lives each year. There are people in the world who do not receive periodic vaccinations. As a result, children are still dying from preventable diseases.

According to statistics, 7.5 million children are protected from disability by immunization each year.

Along with European countries, Tajikistan annually hosts the European Immunization Week. This important health event has been held annually since 2006 at the initiative of the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Every year the European Immunization Week is dedicated to various topics. This year it is dedicated to the International Year of Nursing and Midwifery.

Today, Tajikistan has adopted a number of state strategies and programs aimed at improving the country’s immunoprophylaxis system and improving children’s health, informed Umarzoda.

The main purpose of the European Immunization Week is to raise public awareness about the importance of immunization in maintaining public health.