More than two million children in Tajikistan vaccinated against measles and rubella
DUSHANBE, 12 October 2009 – More than 2.2 million children have been vaccinated during the national measles and rubella immunization campaign which ends today in Tajikistan. “More than 97 percent of children aged one to 14 years around the country have been vaccinated thanks to a joint effort between the Ministry of Health and its international partners,” – said Nusratullo Salimov, Tajikistan’s Minister of Health. “Today we are confident that the campaign has been a great success.” Although the campaign ends today, vaccination of children that for various reasons have not been immunized during the campaign will continue until the end of October. Starting in November 2009, vaccination against rubella will for the first time be introduced into the national routine immunization calendar. UNICEF Deputy Representative in Tajikistan Ms. Ruth Leano added, “Timely immunization against childhood illnesses is an important and proven tool to prevent illness and to improve health and well-being of children. I would like to congratulate Tajikistan on the successful campaign.” The country-wide, two-week immunization campaign has been implemented by the Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF and World Health Organization. The vaccination took place in policlinics, schools, boarding schools and pre-school institutions throughout the country. In remote districts vaccination has been conducted by mobile units. More than six thousand medical workers have been engaged in the vaccination campaign. For more information, please contact: Ministry of Health UNICEF in Tajikistan World Health Organization in Tajikistan
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