Haiti on the path of progress in children's vaccination.

Port-au-Prince, February 29, 2024 – Amid socio-political turmoil and growing insecurity, Haiti is striving with determination to continue providing vaccination services, improve its vaccination coverage, and fight vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite significant challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic and escalating violence, the country has made significant progress in immunization through strategic interventions and effective collaborations.

The implementation of this routine vaccination project, supported by Japan, has been instrumental in these advancements. Over the past three years, several significant achievements have been recorded, ranging from vaccine procurement and injection equipment to capacity-building initiatives and community engagement. These efforts have played a crucial role in improving vaccination coverage and reducing child morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Thanks to Japan's funding, routine vaccination coverage increased by 10% between 2022 and 2023. This increase, particularly for antigens such as Penta 1, Penta 3, and MR1, demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted interventions. "Everyone in our community is grateful for the vaccines. I no longer worry as much about my children's health since they've been vaccinated," explains Marie, a mother from Les Cayes, who brought her child for vaccination.

This improvement in vaccination coverage stems from various implemented strategies, including the RED (Reaching Every District) approach, supply chain management, and awareness campaigns. Periodic vaccination intensification activities and catch-up sessions have also helped vaccinate unimmunized (zero-dose) and under-immunized children. "The idea of protecting my children through vaccines makes me very happy. I want to see him grow up healthy, free from diseases," says Jean, a father living in Camp-Perrin, joyfully.

Despite this progress, regional and communal disparities persist, underscoring the need for sustained efforts and targeted interventions. Haiti demonstrates remarkable resilience in its journey toward strengthening routine vaccination, thereby illustrating its commitment to children's health.

Japan's financial contribution has played a crucial role in these achievements, emphasizing the importance of international support in improving the health and well-being of populations in general, and children in particular.