Vaccination in Al-Qamishli in North-East Syria7 May, 2023 –Damascus, Syria - the World Health Organization (WHO) together with UNICEF, Gavi, and the Syrian Ministry of Health, is proud to participate in World Immunization Week in Syria, from 7 to 11 May, to promote the life-saving benefits of vaccines and encourage more people to get vaccinated.
This year’s theme for World Immunization Week is “The Big Catch Up”, highlighting the role of vaccines in bringing people closer to their loved ones, communities, and goals. Through our participation in World Immunization Week in Syria, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases and protecting individuals and communities.
During World Immunization Week, the joint collaborative efforts of WHO, UNICEF, and the Syrian Ministry of Health will focus on vaccinating as many people as possible against vaccine-preventable diseases through intensified multi-antigin vaccination campaign targeting under 5 children in all governorates. Different routine vaccines such as polio, rubella, and hepatitis-B will be provided during this campaign in addition to the provision of COVID-19 vaccine to targeted adults. In this campaign, vaccination services will be provided through fixed facilities and mobile teams in rural and hard to reach areas. In Additional to the provision of the needed technical assistance and on job training to healthcare workers, and conducting community outreach to promote vaccination.
“Vaccines are critical in preventing diseases and protecting communities,” said Dr Iman Shankiti, the World Health Representative a.i. in Syria. “By working together with all of our partners, including UNICEF, Gavi, and the Syrian Ministry of Health, we can ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to life-saving vaccines. This collaboration is key to eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases and achieving universal health coverage.”
WHO is committed to promoting the health and well-being of people around the world, and vaccines are a critical tool in achieving that goal. Join us in celebrating World Immunization Week in Syria and supporting the power of vaccines to protect individuals and communities from deadly diseases.