Welcome distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and members of the media to this press conference marking World Immunization Week. This year’s week coincides with a significant milestone – 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunization, or EPI. When launched in 1974, this WHO initiative started with a limited series of vaccines against just six childhood diseases. Today, EPI offers protection against 13 vaccine-preventable diseases, reflecting the initiative’s incredible progress.
In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, more than 25 million lives have been saved thanks to the power of vaccines. Immunization’s life-saving benefits extend beyond childhood as many countries have introduced newer vaccines that protect against pneumonia, diarrhea, and even certain cancers. Millions of people across the Region have been protected by COVID-19 vaccines. This wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering partnership of immunization partners like UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the commitment of our Member States.
However, there is still much work to be done. Equitable access to immunization remains a key challenge as we must reach every child in every community including those who have missed doses due to conflict, displacement or weak health systems. Extending the benefits of vaccines throughout life is also crucial as we need to ensure continued protection for every person by adding new vaccines to national immunization schedules.
This World Immunization Week let us reaffirm our commitment to immunization. It is humanly possible to protect everyone from disease and create a healthier future for all. I would like to extend a special welcome to our esteemed colleagues joining the panel today: Marc Rubin Deputy Regional Director of UNICEF Middle East and North Africa Regional Office and Thabani Maphosa Managing Director of Country Programmes at Gavi Secretariat together let us bridge that gap reach every child every community build a future where everyone is shielded by the power of vaccines thank you
