With UNICEF’s support, Cuba’s Expanded Immunization Program held the national Workshop on vaccine-preventable diseases

Havana, March 31 – Cuba’s Expanded Immunization Program (PAI), with the support of the United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF), held the national Workshop on vaccine-preventable diseases on March 29-30, with the participation of representatives from the country’s provinces, the special municipality of Isle of Youth and the municipalities of Havana, as well as of other professionals related to vaccination processes.

During the meeting, the participants dealt with topics such as the cold chain and the availability of resources for the PAI, the results of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign and of school vaccination in the 2021 academic year, as well as the challenges for the current one. The agenda also included an analysis of the 2022 oral polio vaccination campaign, the vigilance regarding different diseases such as rubella, measles, mumps and events supposedly attributable to vaccination and immunization (ESAVI).

At the event’s opening, UNICEF Representative in Cuba, Ms. Alejandra Trossero, congratulated the participants for their intense work carried out as part of the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns and to ensure the regular vaccination program.

“During the most complicated moments of the health crisis, it was an honor for UNICEF to support the Cuban healthcare system”, maintained Ms. Trossero, and she reasserted that UNICEF will continue to strengthen the cooperation bonds with Cuba in order to keep working together for the health, education, protection and well-being of children, particularly of those who are more vulnerable.

The donation of an oxygen plant, of 1,300,000 syringes and of supplies for the strengthening of the cold chain in support of the vaccination campaign were some of UNICEF’s contributions to health response in Cuba. This was joined by the contribution of 14,304 PCR test kits to detect COVID-19, means for water storage, dispensers and antibacterial gel, as well as oxygen concentrators for pediatric use, personal hygiene kits, masks and protective equipment for 12,200 healthcare professionals.

The National Immunization Program, through systematic and sustained vaccination over time, has had a decisive impact on the Cuban population’s health indicators. Among its most notable results is the elimination of six immuno-preventable diseases and the control of other diseases like hepatitis B, meningococcal meningitis and tetanus, which do not constitute a public health problem.

The use of the PRS vaccine, which led to the disappearance of post-mumps meningoencephalitis in Cuba since 1989, has been an important achievement by the country in order to guarantee the health of children and adolescents. Since the 2000s, UNICEF contributes with the annual purchase of 70,000 to 100,000 doses of the PRS vaccine, which guarantees 100% coverage for children up to 2 years of age.