Vaccination Week in the Americas Goes Global
By: Mirta Roses-Periago, MD
On April 2012, a decade of trailblazing efforts by all the countries and territories of the Americas will make a public health dream come true as the first World Immunization Week is launched. Such a towering endeavor will provide a crowning significance to the celebration of the 10th Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA).
Historically, the countries and territories of the Americas have been champions in immunizing their populations and promoting a culture of prevention. Working together, they have been on the global forefront in the eradication and elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases such as smallpox, polio, and endemic measles and rubella. Other vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, meningitis, as well as hepatitis A and B, have also decreased significantly.
Direct reductions in morbidity and mortality provided by strong vaccination programs have resulted in a reduced burden on families and health care systems alike. Moreover, achievements in vaccination have spilled over by strengthening health systems, rewarding health workers and volunteers, and freeing individuals from the mental and physical sequelae of vaccine-preventable diseases; thus contributing to more economically productive and inclusive societies.
