Immunization is a top priority for the Government of Turkmenistan  Ashgabat, 26 April 2010 – Turkmenistan reinforces its commitment to give a healthy start to children and sustaining a high immunization rate by marking the 5th European Immunization Week (EIW) from 26 April to 2 May. UNICEF and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry have joined hands to boost awareness and increase the coverage of immunization programme in Turkmenistan.
While promoting messages on timely immunization under the general motto of the European Immunization Week “Prevent, Protect, Immunize”, UNICEF and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry use innovative methods to impact the behaviour of caregivers on the benefits of vaccination. In addition to a range of vaccines provided, Turkmenistan has recently introduced a new vaccine against Hib-infection, an invasive disease caused by Haemophilus influenza type “B” that can affect many organ systems. With this addition, the national immunization schedule aims to prevent ten vaccine-preventable diseases. “UNICEF welcomes Turkmenistan Government’s sustainable and nearly universal immunization coverage. By marking the European Immunization Week we want to promote the core message that immunization is a basic right of every child and that it is vital to prevent diseases and protect life,” said Samphe Lhalungpa, UNICEF’s representative in Turkmenistan. In addition to routine vaccination of children and adults, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry will distribute information materials – developed in partnership with UNICEF - including an immunization calendar and growth monitoring chart; organize public outreach and media events; carry out technical discussions among health service providers and medical students; give recognition to the most active family doctors and parents; and establish hotline phone services for communities. Schoolchildren will also learn about benefits of immunization through art activities. As part of the week’s events, vaccination for children under fourteen will be monitored. This year, the EIW focuses on national immunization efforts towards meeting the regional goal of eliminating measles and rubella, among other priority areas selected by individual countries. UNICEF believes that regular public health communication campaigns will help to sustain the high immunization coverage in Turkmenistan. For more information please contact: Mr. Jepbar Byashimov
UNICEF Health and Nutrition Officer
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Ms. Ayna Seyitlieva
UNICEF Communication for Development Officer
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Ms. Gulyalek Soltanova
UNICEF Communication Officer
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Fax: +99312 420830
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Web: http://www.unicef.org/turkmenistan |
