Skip to main content
Підтримка для батьків від ЮНІСЕФ Україна
  • Дізнатись більше
Europe and Central Asia Europe and Central Asia
  • English
  • русский

Global Links

  • Visit UNICEF Global
  • High contrast
Europe and Central Asia Europe and Central Asia
    • EXPLORE UNICEF
      • About us
      • Our mandate
      • Regional Director
      • The situation for children
      • Where we work
      • Our voices: Young people from the region
      • Ambassadors and supporters
      • Partners
  • Press centre
Donate

Main navigation

  • What we do
  • Research and reports
  • Stories
  • Take action
Search area has closed.
Search area has opened.
SearchClose

Search UNICEF

  • Available in:
  • English
  • русский
  • Українська
  • Polish
  • Slovak
  • Hungarian
  • Czech
16 results
  • Article (4)
  • Flagship report (1)
  • Page (2)
  • Press release (3)
  • Report (5)
  • Statement (1)
  • Adolescent and youth participation (2)
  • Adolescents (1)
  • Armed conflict (2)
  • Child protection (5)
  • Childrens rights (4)
  • Children with disabilities (1)
  • COVAX (1)
  • COVID-19 (5)
  • Early childhood development (2)
  • Early education (1)
  • Education (2)
  • Education in emergencies (1)
  • Emergency relief and response (1)
  • EU (1)
  • Executive Director (1)
  • Gender based violence (2)
  • Health (18)
  • HIV/AIDS (1)
  • HIV transmission (1)
  • Humanitarian action and emergencies (3)
  • (-) Immunization (16)
  • Inclusive education (1)
  • Migrant and refugee crisis (1)
  • Newborn health (2)
  • Nutrition (3)
  • Poverty (1)
  • Refugee and migrant children (1)
  • Refugees (3)
  • Sexual exploitation (1)
  • Social inclusion (1)
  • (-) Supply (1)
  • (-) Vaccines (6)
  • Youth (1)
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina (1)
  • ECA (14)
  • ECARO (15)
  • (-) Europe and Central Asia (14)
  • Georgia (2)
  • Global (26)
  • Kazakhstan (1)
  • Poland (2)
  • Republic of Moldova (1)
  • Romania (3)
  • Tajikistan (1)
  • Ukraine (8)
  • (-) Uzbekistan (2)
Page
13 April 2023
A quick look: the state of routine immunization in Europe and Central Asia
https://www.unicef.org/eca/quick-look-state-routine-immunization-europe-and-central-asia
Immunization allows children everywhere to live lives free of many forms of disability and illness. UNICEF's  The State of the World’s Children 2023 highlights the current situation of immunization for children globally. UNICEF's regional brief for Europe and Central Asia demonstrate that public demand, scientific innovations and – perhaps above all – political will can drive rapid change.  Now is a time for determination. Now is a time for political will. Now is the time to protect the health of  every  child. Girl receiving a HPV vaccine. 67 million children Between 2019 and 2021, 67 million children across the world missed out on routine vaccinations. 2-month-old gets vaccinated by Nurse as part of his routine childhood immunization session. 327,400 children 327,400 are “zero-dose” and “under-vaccinated” children. That means they have not received any vaccinations or the third required dose of the diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT3) vaccine. Nurse in office 29 countries 29 countries in the region found a decrease in the perception of the importance of vaccines for children. 3-month-old gets vaccinated in Tajikistan One million Nearly one million of children who missed one or several routine vaccinations live in Europe and Central Asia.
Report
08 January 2020
Interpersonal Communication for Immunization
https://www.unicef.org/eca/reports/interpersonal-communication-immunization
Health providers have always been an important and trusted source of information for parents and caregivers in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region and beyond. The way they interact with families and the quality of their communication and engagement may have a positive or negative influence on caregivers’ decision to immunize…, Interpersonal Communication for Immunization Training for Front Line Workers Facilitator guide UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Region Interpersonal Communication for Immunization Training for Front Line Workers Facilitator guide UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Region Interpersonal Communication for …
Page
24 April 2019
World Immunization Week 2019
https://www.unicef.org/eca/health/immunization/world-immunization-week-2019
Vaccines act as a shield, protecting children and newborn babies from dangerous diseases and saving up to 3 million lives each year. Yet, there are still nearly 20 million unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children in the world today. These children are at risk of serious illness, complications, and even death. Many parents want to vaccinate their children, but can’t because they don’t have access to healthcare. But increasingly, some parents are choosing not to. This reluctance often stems from misconceptions about vaccines, or complacency about the likelihood of getting infected. That’s why staying informed about the benefits of vaccines – and the risks of not getting vaccinated – is more important than ever. This World Immunization Week, UNICEF is launching a global campaign to emphasize the power and safety of vaccines among parents and social media users. From 24-30 April, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will contribute US$1 to UNICEF for every like or share of social media posts using the hashtag #VaccinesWork, up to US$1 million, to ensure all children get the life-saving vaccines they need. Help protect children from deadly diseases by telling parents around the world,  #VaccinesWork !  
Report
06 November 2019
Interpersonal Communication for Immunization. Presentation
https://www.unicef.org/eca/reports/interpersonal-communication-immunization-presentation
Health providers have always been an important and trusted source of information for parents and caregivers in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region and beyond. The way they interact with families and the quality of their communication and engagement may have a positive or negative influence on caregivers’ decision to immunize…, INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION FOR IMMUNIZATION TRAINING FOR FRONT LINE WORKERS ECA REGIONAL OFFICE NOVEMBER 2018 MODULE 1: INTRODUCTIONS AND OVERVIEW Session 1.1: IntroducDons and ImmunizaDon Challenges ParDcipant IntroducDons With your neighbor: Introduce yourselves- name, job, and where you work You will introduce your neighbor to…
Report
06 November 2019
Interpersonal Communication for Immunization. Participant manual
https://www.unicef.org/eca/reports/interpersonal-communication-immunization-participant-manual
Good interpersonal communication can mean the difference between a child being fully immunized or not at all. This Interpersonal Communication for Immunization Participant manual seeks to help health workers value, acquire, and consistently use the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to communicate effectively…, 1 Interpersonal Communication for Immunization Training for Front Line Workers Participant manual UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Region Interpersonal Communication for Immunization. Participant manual2 Interpersonal Communication for Immunization Training for Front Line Workers Participant manual…
Report
06 November 2019
Interpersonal Communication for Immunization. Facilitator Guide
https://www.unicef.org/eca/reports/interpersonal-communication-immunization-facilitator-guide
Health providers have always been an important and trusted source of information for parents and caregivers in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region and beyond. The way they interact with families and the quality of their communication and engagement may have a positive or negative influence on caregivers’ decision to immunize…, Interpersonal Communication for Immunization Training for Front Line Workers Facilitator guide UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Region Interpersonal Communication for Immunization Training for Front Line Workers Facilitator guide UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Region Interpersonal Communication for …
Press release
17 April 2020
Maintaining routine immunization services vital during the COVID-19 pandemic – WHO and UNICEF
https://www.unicef.org/eca/node/5936
GENEVA/COPENHAGEN, 20 April 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder that infectious diseases know no borders. All countries are vulnerable, regardless of income levels or the strength of their health care systems. Across the European Region, where tens of millions of people have been living in lockdown for weeks, and over 100,000 people have died, the speed and devastation of the novel coronavirus has completely upended lives. The urgent need for a COVID-19 vaccine underscores the pivotal role immunizations play in protecting lives and economies. As scientists around the world work to develop a vaccine against the novel coronavirus and health care capacities are stretched in responding to COVID-19, national routine immunization programmes are more critical than ever before. Governments across the Region must use every opportunity possible to protect people from the many diseases for which vaccines are already available. When routine vaccinations are missed, the risk of disease outbreaks increases. In 2018, approximately 527 000 children missed their first-dose of measles-containing vaccine in the WHO European Region. One year later in 2019, the measles virus exposed immunity gaps in Europe, infecting over 100 000 people, across all age-groups. Protecting children, adolescents and adults from vaccine-preventable diseases through vaccination is a must for the sustainability of health care systems. “We know that vulnerability to infectious diseases anywhere is a threat to public health everywhere,” said Ms. Afshan Khan, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. “It is critical that routine immunization programmes continue during this crisis, while adequately protecting health workers and individuals receiving vaccinations. Reaching the most vulnerable children who have missed routine immunizations in the past should be prioritized.” If, during these unprecedented times, local COVID-19 response measures cause temporary interruptions of routine immunization services, countries should plan to resume immunization services as quickly as possible after the situation stabilizes. Countries should be prepared to vaccinate those at higher risk and ensure everyone, including the most marginalized, will have equal access to a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. “ We can prevent further impact of COVID-19 on our healthcare systems by assuring that individuals of all ages remain vaccinated according to national schedules. I urge countries to maintain immunization service delivery and drive demand for vaccination, through the life-course even at this difficult time. Prioritizing immunization is one of my four flagship areas and central to WHO’s vision for health in the new European Programme of Work” said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. WHO and UNICEF will continue to support governments’ efforts to strengthen their immunization programmes, including through strategic planning for equitable provision of immunization, strengthening vaccine-preventable disease surveillance and community engagement and education. As we step into a new future, vaccines will continue to serve as a foundation for health and wellbeing for all. It is through solidarity, joint action and tireless commitment to leaving no one behind that we can create a healthier future together.   #Vaccineswork Georgia immunization UNICEF/UN0326765/Georgia
Statement
24 April 2023
Joint statement: European Immunisation Week 2023 and beyond
https://www.unicef.org/eca/press-releases/joint-statement-european-immunisation-week-2023-and-beyond
Geneva, Brussels, Copenhagen, 24 April 2023 – Following three years with COVID-19, we are transitioning into a new normal and building on many lessons learned to create resilient health systems and stronger outbreak preparedness. Among these lessons is the powerful strength of collaboration, without which we cannot equitably reach everyone with life-saving vaccines. As we mark European Immunization Week, UNICEF, WHO and the European Commission alongside other regional and local stakeholders are committed to continue working to protect the most vulnerable through COVID-19 vaccination. Together we will continue our support to countries to ensure children and families have timely access to routine vaccinations and catch up on any missed doses, all of which are essential to prevent the return of highly contagious vaccine-preventable diseases. COVID-19 placed huge new demands on health systems and exposed existing shortages within the health workforce. Lockdowns and the fear of contracting COVID-19 while visiting health-care facilities led some families to put off vaccinating their children. Across 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia – together making up the European Region of WHO - over 1 million children missed all or some routine vaccinations since the start of the pandemic in 2020. While many of the countries in the Region quickly recovered with great effort from disruptions and delays to routine vaccinations, 16 countries saw a decline in coverage for the third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) vaccine in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic rates. Half of the Region’s 20 middle-income countries reported coverage below 90% for one or more vaccines in 2021, compared to less than 10% of high-income countries, which is widening the immunization equity gap among countries and their populations. War in Ukraine and earthquakes in Türkiye have caused further disruptions to health services, displaced millions of families, and made access to life-saving vaccines much harder. Vaccination is a cornerstone of public health. Every dose in the national immunisation schedule is timed to build or sustain protection from one or more diseases. Every missed or delayed dose puts a child at greater risk of infection. This can be particularly dangerous for young children and the most vulnerable in our communities. The more children who fall behind, the greater the risk of large outbreaks of measles, polio, diphtheria and other dangerous infectious diseases. Cases of measles in the European Region increased almost six-fold in a reporting year, up from 159 in 2021 to more than 900 in 2022. Cases of diphtheria increased seven-fold from 41 in 2021 to 300 in 2022. Detections of circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses were also reported in 2022 in Israel and the United Kingdom. It is in our common interest to protect each other from disease; critical to this is keeping up with national vaccine schedules, including by receiving all the recommended doses and boosters, and catching up on any that have been missed. As we continue to support countries to build resilient public health systems and infrastructures, let us remember that we have a strong foundation of public health accomplishments to preserve and build upon. Working together to bring the world closer to eradicating polio and eliminating measles, rubella, cervical and other cancers from the Region through vaccination, we will ensure better health for all and contribute to our joint commitment to regional and global health security. Signatories Ms Afshan Khan, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Ms Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe In Krakow, Poland, Nurse prepares a Varilrix vaccine against chickenpox at the UNIMED medical center. UNICEF/U.S. CDC/UN0715410/Kasia Strek
Article
26 February 2021
UNICEF handed over 223 refrigerated vehicles to the Government of Uzbekistan
https://www.unicef.org/eca/unicef-handed-over-223-refrigerated-vehicles-government-uzbekistan
25 February 2021, Tashkent: Today, UNICEF handed over 223 refrigerated vehicles to the Government of Uzbekistan. The vehicles support the Government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s immunization cold chain and will ensure vaccines are kept at optimal cold temperatures needed to retain their effectiveness when are delivered to regional and district health centres across the country. Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Behzod Musaevm, accompanied by the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdukhakim Khadjibaev, presided over the handover ceremony was, noted that the consignment of vehicles was timely. Earlier, the Government of Uzbekistan had announced the first shipment of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines, was due to arrive in coming days. UNICEF Representative, Mr. Munir Mammadzade said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated UNICEF’s push for to make vaccines available to all within the framework of the Health System Strengthening Programme.” The vehicles are valued at more than USD 2 million and was supported by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). Over the last 3 years UNICEF and partners have invested nearly USD 20 million to support the Ministry of Health to strengthen the country’s national immunization programme. UNICEF supported the construction of vaccine warehouses at national, regional and district levels, helped procure and install cold rooms, freezers and refrigerators, and vehicles to transport of vaccine. As well, UNICEF supported the Ministry of Health in the development of Uzbekistan’s vaccine logistic management information system. The current efforts are historically significant and will improve the national immunization system and in the context of COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, and well beyond. COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), working in partnership with UNICEF as well as the World Bank, civil society organisations, manufacturers, and others.
Article
01 May 2019
Vaccinations with a smile in Uzbekistan
https://www.unicef.org/eca/stories/vaccinations-smile-uzbekistan
Baby Imona is visiting the clinic, but there is no fear or tension, because Nurse Aziza Abduazimova knows how to put her and her parents at ease. Aziza’s open face and sweet, cheerful manner make all of the children she meets comfortable. “I always meet babies with a smile. Then I answer all of the parents’ questions about vaccinations so that they feel they can trust me with their child’s health. I make the child comfortable, and chat and play with them. I use toys to create a relationship before vaccinating them.” Aziza has been immunising children at Polyclinic #47 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan for six years now. She says that she loves her job. “I’m a mother myself. I have three sons aged 15, 12 and 10 years old who are all vaccinated and growing up healthy. I didn’t have a moment’s hesitation in getting my children vaccinated, and I am happy to help other mothers raise strong and healthy kids.” Aziza believes that it’s much better to vaccinate a child and prevent a disease than treat the sometimes-serious consequences of an illness. “Polio can cause permanent paralysis. Mumps, a common childhood disease, can make boys infertile, and measles can be fatal. It’s not just the consequences for the individual, either. A child who hasn’t been vaccinated is putting everyone else at risk, including babies and unvaccinated adults.” Nurse Aziza Abduazimova administers the polio vaccine to baby Imona. Nurse Aziza Abduazimova administers the polio vaccine to baby Imona. However, despite all the evidence about the safety of vaccines to prevent serious disease, some parents are still hesitant. “It’s a natural urge for a mother to protect her baby, and some mothers are scared to cause their baby the pain of an injection,” Aziza says. “Believe me, when I first started this job, I used to cry along with the babies, but then I realised that by causing this brief moment of pain, I’m preventing a lot of future suffering.” Some parents read things on the internet that scare them. Aziza says, “I follow a lot of discussions on the web and I often post evidence to prove that they needn’t worry. All the vaccines used in Uzbekistan meet international standards.” Aziza recalls a young mother who didn’t vaccinate her first son. “He got every childhood disease, one after the other, including Hepatitis A. With my encouragement she decided to vaccinate her younger son. He has grown up very healthy. Now when people see them together, they assume the younger one is older because he wasn’t sick as often, he’s so much taller and stronger than his brother. His mother tells everyone her story. She says, ‘If I’d had my older son vaccinated, I wouldn’t have gone through all these troubles.’” Aziza helps parents who have concerns about vaccinations to meet mothers and fathers with children who have been fully immunised. “Peer to peer conversations are really helpful because parents trust fellow parents and they can see the results.” She believes being a good vaccinator isn’t just about following procedures but having the right attitude: “There was one lady who came from outside our clinic’s catchment area. She was surprised to find me so cheerful and friendly. In her previous experiences staff had been professional, but she told me my friendliness has made such a difference to her children; now they feel at ease during and after vaccinations. It makes such a difference how you treat people."  "Children pick up a lot from how you deal with them—they connect with a smile.” - adds Aziza. Nurse Aziza puts baby Imona at ease with a toy after administering a vaccine. With toys and smiles, baby Imona is at ease after receiving a vaccine. “My main message to parents would be to follow the vaccination calendar. Don’t wait or delay; it has been developed to protect against the most common diseases in this country and vaccinating on time gives your child the best protection.” Aziza gives baby Imona a last cuddle. She smiles, “Parents share the hope that their child will grow up healthy. In my work as a vaccinator, I can help make that happen.” UNICEF in Uzbekistan trains health professionals across the country to vaccinate children and works closely with the Government to ensure the vaccine system is safe and can reach all children with life-saving immunizations.
Article
24 January 2019
Protecting children against measles in Romania
https://www.unicef.org/eca/stories/protecting-children-against-measles-romania
Parents living in Strehaia, a Roma community in South-West Romania, nod and smile in relief after watching a short video shown by their local physician on the benefits of immunizing their children. The physician answers questions from the parents before they gather their children and move to the next room where all of the children are vaccinated. The children range in age from young toddlers to 18 years old. The young ones hold their mothers’ hands tightly, but the older ones laugh and ask to watch the film again. The film is part of UNICEF Romania’s ongoing support to the Ministry of Health’s efforts to increase immunization coverage and prevent the spread of measles. Vaccination coverage in Romania has declined since 2000. In 2017, only 75 per cent of children had received two doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine – a coverage rate far below the recommended 95 per cent needed to protect all children. As a result of low immunization coverage, Romania has experienced a measles outbreak, with over 15,000 people affected since 2016. This includes 59 deaths, the majority being children. As part of ongoing efforts to increase immunization coverage, in July 2018 Romania’s Ministry of Health launched a door-to-door catch up campaign to vaccinate children who missed their vaccinations. In support, UNICEF developed a series of materials to provide parents with easy to understand, factual information about the benefits and process of children being immunized. These materials include the short film watched by families in Strehaia. The film is shown to parents and families in the most vulnerable communities in Romania - people living in hard to reach areas, those affected by poverty, and Roma communities. These communities often have children with the lowest rates of immunization. The film talks about the necessity and benefits of vaccination and, at the same time, addresses the most common vaccine-related questions from parents: Is it safe to vaccinate my child? What if she/he catches another disease? What if my child gets sick after the vaccination? Is the vaccine free of charge? A girl is vaccinated at a community center in Buhuși, in Eastern Romania as part of the UNICEF and WHO supported immunization catch-up campaign. A girl is vaccinated at a community center in Buhuși, in Eastern Romania as part of the UNICEF and WHO supported immunization catch-up campaign. “In the beginning parents did not want to vaccinate their children, but then they put their trust in us. We told them vaccines are good and we encouraged them to ask the doctor all the questions they have during the campaign. So they were able to have a clear picture on the benefit of vaccination,” said Gabriela Stan, a health mediator in the town of Buhuși, in Eastern Romania. Gabriela was part of the team that went door-to-door to inform parents from vulnerable communities about the benefits of vaccination. Although there have been positive developments in reaching vulnerable children with lifesaving MMR immunizations over the past few months in Romania, until the coverage rate reaches 95 per cent, children will remain at risk.  
Report
28 October 2020
Protecting young children from vaccine-preventable diseases
https://www.unicef.org/eca/reports/protecting-young-children-vaccine-preventable-diseases
Vaccination is one of the world’s safest and most cost-effective public health interventions. Yet growing distrust in science, coupled with misinformation, means that vaccination coverage rates are declining in some countries and communities, resulting in an upsurge of vaccine-preventable diseases. Research shows that those caring for children…, PROTECTING YOUNG CHILDREN FROM VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASES MODULE 22 Disclaimer: The resource modules were authored by the individuals under the guidance of the UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia. The text is presented in draft format and it is expected that it will be adapted and contextualized for use by interested countries.…
  • Prev
    • 1
      • 1
      • 2
  • Next

Footer

UNICEF Home
  • What we do
  • Situation for children
  • Where we work
Data, Research and Reports
  • Publications
  • Partners
  • Ambassadors and Supporters
Become a donor

Social

Footer Secondary

  • Contact us
  • Legal

Footer tertiary

  • Report fraud, abuse, wrongdoing