Immunisation
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has renewed its call for intensified immunisation efforts across the Western Pacific region, warning of a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases
In a statement from its Regional Office in Manila, the WHO said countries must protect gains made in vaccination, reach children still missing routine doses, and maintain public confidence in vaccines.
“Vaccines are a miracle of science and medicine, and they have protected generations across our region.
“But we cannot take this protection for granted,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific.
The organisation noted that in 2024 alone, about 2.1 million children in the region missed at least one vaccine dose, increasing vulnerability to preventable diseases.
With the Western Pacific region accounting for over 2.2 billion people, more than a quarter of the global population the WHO said stronger routine immunisation systems, better outreach to underserved communities, and reliable vaccine supply chains are urgently needed.
The agency warned that without urgent action, recent progress in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases could be reversed. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ummul Idris/Halima Sheji
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