Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health investments we can make for future generations

Tirana 25 April, 2016 - World Immunization Week is held each year at the end of April to promote the use of life-saving vaccines for all children – particularly those who are consistently excluded. This event is celebrated by UNICEF, immunization partners, governments and civil society organizations around the world.

For this year’s edition of the World Immunization Week publication, UNICEF will focus on unimmunized children in situations or zones of conflict. All children, no matter where they live or what their circumstances are, have the right to survive and to thrive. Children affected by conflicts are among the most likely to be denied this right. Almost two-thirds of all unvaccinated children live in conflict-affected countries.

In Albania, the immunization programme is among the most consolidated public health interventions due to a strong government commitment. However, immunization programme achievements should not be taken for granted. Sustained efforts are needed to address disparities in immunization coverage, prioritise the hard-to-reach population groups, including Roma children, and maintain public trust in immunization.

Unvaccinated children are deprived on multiple levels, including access to education, adequate nutrition and other vital health services. Compared with their wealthier peers, children from the poorest households in low- and middle-income countries are twice as likely to die before age five.

In Albania, the vaccination coverage of children aged 0-14 years, remains commendably high at 97 per cent; however, immunization rates among Roma children are still low.

The Ministry of Health in Albania funds 100 per cent of the Expanded Program Immunization vaccine procurement and expansion of the immunization schedule with new vaccines on a continuous basis. UNICEF in Albania has been a long-standing partner of the Ministry of Health, supporting the efforts of the Albanian Government in strengthening national immunization services, polio eradication (Albania was declared polio free since 2002), measles elimination activities, communication for immunization, and strengthening of the country’s cold chain system.

It is worth particular mentioning that UNICEF is the world’s largest buyer of vaccines reaching 40 per cent of the world’s children. During many years UNICEF has been supporting the Ministry of Health of Albania with vaccine procurement services.