UNICEF says don’t ignore other immunisation efforts once pandemic is under control

Prepare for an intensified immunisation campaign when COVID-19 is under control, it tells governments.

In their efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, governments worldwide should not ignore life-saving health interventions such as immunisation, the UNICEF appealed on Thursday.

“As the pandemic progresses, critical life-saving services, including immunization, will likely be disrupted, especially in Africa, Asia and the Middle East where they are sorely needed. At the greatest risk are children from the poorest families in countries affected by conflicts and natural disasters,” Henrietta Fore, UNICEF’s Executive Director said in a press statement, adding that outbreaks such as cholera and measles would tax the already stretched health services and lead to additional loss of lives.

Ms. Fore said if the governments postponed mass vaccination drives to ensure physical distancing, they must prepare for an intense immunisation campaign when COVID-19 was under control.

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