Overview

Overview

UNICEF Response

UNICEF Response

Vaccine Independence Initiative (VII)

Vaccine Independence Initiative (VII)

 

UNICEF Response

© UNICEF Pacific/2005

An infant receives polio vaccine in Fiji

UNICEF Pacific works in collaboration with government and partners to raise and maintain immunization rates to 90% or more; to develop the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and cold chain policies at country level; to enhance the quality of EPI activities through in-service and pre-service training and to ensure vaccine security through the Vaccine Independence Initiative (VII). Assistance is provided to countries for the introduction of new vaccines and the development of evidenced-based communication strategies to raise awareness on immunization and increase coverage rates.

Achievements
Notable successes include regional polio eradication since October 2000; near disappearance of diphtheria and neonatal tetanus, a degree of measles control, a substantial reduction in children chronically infected with hepatitis B, and improvements in safe injection practice.
 
Vaccine security has been ensured in the Pacific through the Vaccine Independence Initiative (VII) which ensures that an un-interrupted supply of low cost, high quality, World Health Organization (WHO) standard EPI vaccines is provided to all Pacific island countries.