Is this good news or bad news?
“We are trying to add rotavirus vaccine and vaccines against Human Papilloma Virus, which causes cervical cancer, in the national routine immunisation schedule,” said Dr Aung Kyaw Moe.
Are they just trying or are they planning to add HPV vaccine to the list of immunisations given to children in Myanmar as soon as possible?
HPV causes cervical cancer. This cancer of women could be eradicated within a generation with high vaccination coverage and cervical cancer screening. If the Myanmar government wants to eradicate this cancer the time to begin HPV vaccination is now.
Jamie
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Vaccine alliance gives $60 million for immunisation programme
Myint Kay Thi
Myanmar Times
6 March 2018
Geneva-based Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, will provide US$60 million over the next two years to implement an immunisation programme in the country, largely focusing on cold chain facilities, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports.
“We are planning to set up more cold chain facilities this year. Cold storage is a vital part of the expanded immunisation programme. Vaccines must be stored in electronic or solar refrigerators to maintain the potency of the vaccine,” Dr Aung Kyaw Moe, assistant director of the Department of Public Health, told The Myanmar Times Monday.
The funds from Gavi, an international organisation created to improve access to new and underused vaccines for children in poor countries, will be channelled through the World Health Organisation and UNICEF to provide vaccines and facilities for immunisation in Myanmar, he said.
The Interagency Coordination Committee meeting was hold in Nay Pyi Taw on February 28, according to the ministry’s announcement.
In addition, the fund will also support training of health workers, poster campaigns, surveillance and provide the necessary medical equipment.
From 2015 to 2016, 1200 cold chain facilities were procured and distributed across the country to replace obsolete equipment at sub-depot and cold stores in rural and township areas.
In addition, the Department of Public Health is planning to introduce two new vaccines for the national routine immunisation programme for children from this year until 2020.
“We are trying to add rotavirus vaccine and vaccines against Human Papilloma Virus, which causes cervical cancer, in the national routine immunisation schedule,” said Dr Aung Kyaw Moe.
At present, the government provides 11 types of vaccines free for children under age five. It costs about $50 to vaccinate a child.
Last year, Gavi contributed $32.8 million for vaccines and facilities needed to implement the immunisation programme, which covered 76 percent of the total cost.
Vaccine coverage among children was about 80pc to 90pc in the country, but some children did not receive vaccinations according to schedule.
The government’s free immunisation programme provides 11 types of vaccines – BCG, 5-in-1 (diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, hepatitis B and encephalitis), polio, pneumonia, measles and rubella, and Japanese encephalitis – for infants up to 18 months old.
https://www.mmtimes.com/news/vaccine-alliance-gives-60-million-immunisation-programme.html
