UNICEF, WHO and partners concluded a national routine immunization campaign in Hama, Syria.

UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and partners concluded a five-day national routine immunization campaign, during the last week of November, to protect children under five years of age including those who missed out on their vaccination against common childhood illnesses.

In Hama, central Syria, thanks to generous contributions from GAVI, the vaccine alliance, the Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), UNICEF and partners aimed to reach over 7,000 children with various types of routine vaccines, through nearly 1,000 health workers and 77 health mobile teams, in 139 fixed health centres and 18 prefabricated clinics across the governorate. UNICEF-supported health workers and volunteers took necessary precautionary measures against COVID-19, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), ensuring their safety and the safety of their visitors.

To raise awareness about the importance and safety of vaccines for children, UNICEF also supported an awareness-raising campaign throughout November through door-to-door visits, informative group sessions with families and community leader as well as in schools, and educational posters, thanks to a generous contribution from the Russian Federation.