Angola Holds Key Meeting to Boost Vaccination Efforts

Angola Holds Key Meeting to Boost Vaccination Efforts

Angola is intensifying its vaccination efforts with a crucial review meeting held from August 20 to 22 in Luanda. The Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), organized the event to accelerate vaccination coverage across the country. The meeting brought together health professionals and partners from all provinces to address vaccination challenges and strategize improvements.

Dr. Zabulon Yoti, Acting WHO Representative in Angola, emphasized the importance of collective effort in vaccination. He stressed that vaccination is vital for protecting and saving lives, and that collaboration, shared experiences, and strategic planning are essential to eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases.

Andrew Trevett, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Angola, highlighted that the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is critical for any health system grappling with both communicable and non-communicable diseases. He noted that the EPI not only protects against preventable diseases but also strengthens community health, reduces child mortality, and boosts community satisfaction.

Angola has invested significantly in health infrastructure, including building and upgrading facilities, expanding health services, and improving cold chain equipment. Despite these efforts, the country still faces challenges. WHO data shows Angola is among the top three African countries with the highest number of zero-dose children—estimated at around half a million who have not received the Penta 1 and Penta 3 vaccines.

To address this, the WHO is assisting Angola through the Middle-Income Countries Zero-Dose Project (MICS) to enhance vaccination in 22 municipalities with the highest numbers of unvaccinated children. Additionally, Angola is responding to a polio outbreak with recent vaccination campaigns that achieved high coverage rates. An extended campaign is scheduled for September.

Dr. Carlos Pinto de Sousa, Angola’s Secretary of State for Public Health, acknowledged the structural and financial challenges but expressed confidence in overcoming them through leadership and commitment. The meeting aims to assess vaccination performance, tackle Zero-Dose issues, and enhance national vaccination initiatives, including those for polio and cervical cancer prevention.

Source:WHO