Statement by UNICEF Representative in Armenia, Mr. Sheldon Yett at the opening of the Measles and Rubella Campaign
Dear Madame Vishnevskaya, colleagues from the Ministry of Health, partners, distinguished guests,
I am pleased to be here today together with you and with our partners from the Government, the UN family, the donor community, the Foundation world and the private sector and of course the NGO community for the launch of the Measles and Rubella Elimination Campaign.
Today, Armenia is joining the ranks of many other countries in this region that are implementing measles and rubella campaign as part of a concentrated effort to reduce outbreaks of these diseases. Measles claims a staggering 30% of all vaccine-preventable deaths world-wide, and globally kills more children than any other vaccine-preventable disease. I am sure many of you remember the measles outbreak in Armenia in 2004-2005.
But Global efforts to eradicate measles are paying strong dividends. Measles deaths globally have fallen by 60% since the 1990s. This campaign is part of a global effort to reduce deaths even further.
Rubella is a major cause of birth defects in children and if contracted during pregnancy, the disease can cause miscarriage or the birth of an infant with severe birth defects, including deafness, blindness, mental retardation or heart disease.
As important as this campaign is, it is important to emphasize that the key to stopping the transmission of these diseases, and other vaccine-preventable diseases, is ensuring the continued effectiveness of the routine immunization programme through which infants and young children are provided timely vaccinations. Campaigns such as this, can never replace the importance of a strong, well financed and effective basic immunization programme. However, this campaign will help ensure those who may not have been vaccinated when they should have been, receive an essential vaccine.
Thankfully, and due to the concerted efforts of the Ministry of Health, Armenia has been successful in maintaining a high immunization coverage.. However, the evidence from other countries in the world is clear. Without substantial and sustained national budgetary commitments to public health, this high rate of coverage may not be maintained, and outbreaks in disease that otherwise would have been prevented may not be.
Maintaining a strong immunization programme serves another purpose too. It provides a mechanism through which health services can make contact with children and women and provide other needed assistance. When kids grow up healthier, they do better in school and, later, as adults, are more productive.
This is a campaign that highlights the importance of partnerships to protect the well-being of children and young people and advance public health. It is a campaign that pools the resources and expertise of the organizations, whose representatives are here today. Alone, none of us would have the capacity to vaccinate over a million of children and young people.
Again, it is the Ministry of Health that is leading this campaign and I would like to thank the Minister and his team for their continued hard work to make this campaign possible. I am proud that UNICEF has been able to support you in your efforts to eliminate the threat of measles and the dangers of congenital rubella.
Thank you.
