OMS/WHO
The Government of Burundi mobilized for the vaccination of children Press release jointly issued by UNICEF and WHO in Burundi
Bujumbura 5 February, 2004: The Government of Burundi, with the support of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), the United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched yesterday two new vaccines. The two vaccines, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus Influenza Type B, will be part of the routine vaccination and target a total of 275,662 babies aged up to 11 months during 2004.
“The vaccination of children is one of the Government’s priorities.” Mrs. Oda Ndayizeye, First Lady of Burundi, said in her speech. “I launch an appeal to all parents to go and vaccinate their children. Vaccination is the source for a healthy life…children that are vaccinated grow up healthy and they can go to school.” she continued. In addition to the First Lady, the Government was present with four Ministers at the launch held in Gahombo Commune (Province of Kayanza).
One out of two case of bacterial meningitis, detected among children under five years old is due to the bacterium Haemophilus Influenza Type B. In approximately 50 percent of these cases bacterial meningitis is leading to death. The same bacterium also causes almost 25% of all cases of pneumonia affecting children under five. Hepatit B virus can cause liver damage, liver cancer and death. The three doses, now introduced in Burundi, allow a reduction of these diseases and will save lives.
The Representative of WHO in Burundi, Dr. Abdel Wahed El Abassi reminded the participants that the vaccination of all children is in conformity with the Millennium Goals including the reduction by two thirds of the mortality rate among children under five years old by 2015.
Burundi is one of the 75 countries in the world taking part of the GAVI initiative. The revised GAVI plan for the introduction of new vaccines Hepatitis B and Haemophilus Influenza Type B was approved by the GAVI secretariat in March 2003. From January to December 2004 the country will use DPT-Hib and monovalent HepB vaccines. In January 2005, Burundi will shift to pentavalent vaccine (DTP-HepB+Hib) not yet available. UNICEF and WHO provided assistance to the Ministry of Health to revise the plan and prepare for the introduction. In January 2004, 934 health staff were trained in order to increase the knowledge on management of vaccines and administration, secondary effects and the vaccination schedule. In addition, 3,000 health animators will be trained for the social mobilization of communities.
“We will continue to support the realization of children’s right to health through vaccination activities. Vaccination is allowing children the best start in life and the possibility to grow up strong and healthy”, said UNICEF’s Officer in Charge, Bruno Maes.
For more information, please contact:
Sara Johansson,, UNICEF Burundi E-mail: sjohansson@unicef.org Phone: (257) 950 247
Janvière Marimbu, WHO Burundi E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (257) 821 673