7 May 2018 – The Government of Libya represented by the Ministry of Health marked World Immunization Week from 24 to 30 April, 2018 by immunizing migrants and refugees in 5 detention centres in Tripoli, Libya
The Ministry of Health, National Centre for Disease Control, in partnership with World Health Organization, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees, International Organization for Migration and health partners International Meddical Corps and STACO, conducted lifesaving immunization campaign targeting children under 5 years in 5 detention centres in Tripoli.
“This is a vital vaccination campaign targeting vulnerable populations, particularly migrants and refugees in Libya. The campaign is being held in the first 5 detention centres in Tripoli to at-risk children,” said Dr Hussain Jaffar, WHO Representative in Libya. “The campaign will contribute to preventing possible imported outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and subsequently it will be extended to other areas of Libya.”
Libya has experienced a humanitarian emergency due to conflict, insecurity, displacement of people. This situation is further compounded by limited access to health system and if it continues, the number of disease outbreaks is likely to increase. Preventative measures such as vaccination can mitigate these outbreaks, and save lives.
WHO Libya will continue to support routine and supplementary vaccination campaigns in the areas of planning, organization, monitoring and ensuring that Libyan children receive the maximum protection and are given all lifesaving vaccination on time.
Libya country office annual report, 2022
