Closing the immunization
gap
World
immunization week, an all over the week programme executed every year, globally
has it’s primary objective endorsed in the aim of making the globe truly
immunized. The word * TRULY* derives it’s existence from the fact that there
occurs a big difference today, in the apparent world immunisation rate and the
one which practically exists. This year, the WHO worked on bridging this difference by
launching the programme on 23rd April, 2016
World
Immunisation Week basically is a global public health campaign to raise
awareness and increase immunisation rates against Vaccine Preventable Diseases.
It aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against
all kinds of diseases. As it is known, apt immunisation is known to save
millions of lives and thus is rightly recognised as one of the world’s most
successful and cost-effective health interventions.
Previously,
immunisation weeks were observed in different countries at different times of
the year. Starting from 2012, a need for uniformity was observed. There after, every
year the WHO comes up with variant themes. Here are some of the recent ones-
- - 2014- Are you up to date?
- - 2015-16 – Close the immunisation gap
The
year 2015 and 2016 had the same themes implied and turned out to be quite
effective.
Immunisation
can protect against various types of infectious agents and diseases including
diphtheria ,measles, pertussis, polio, tuberculosis, tetanus, etc. Globally,
around 2-3 million lives are saved, according to the WHO and this can truly be
attributed to Immunisation! However this number is just the tip of the iceberg!
There still exists a dying population of around 23 million, which failed to be
immunised and thus payed the worthy price. This inadequate immunisation
coverage rate is majorly due to limited resources, competing health priorities,
poor management of health systems and inadequate surveillance. The World Health
Organisation, thus thrives to educate the general population , as to how
immunisation saves lives; and to support people everywhere to get the
vaccinations needed against these deadly diseases! This motive is well served
by the World Immunisation week.
Most
of the vaccines used for immunisation are given to the child within the first
five years of life, except for certain vaccines such as tetanus, rabies; which
are given after the exposure to the infectious agent. The ones given after the
5 year mark are called BOOSTERS. Boosters can be compared to the reserve fuels
of a motor vehicle. When the primary fuel expires, the reserve keeps the motor
going, so do boosters; when the effect of primary vaccines is terminated,
boosters keep the immunity going!
Immunisation
has a major role in preventing numerous diseases and protecting life. To exploit
such a wonderful potential it harbours, the World Immunisation Week is a
powerful weapon for it’s reinforcement. With better social acceptance, vaccine
preventable diseases can be completely eradicated, thanks to this programme!