Strengthening Immunization: Activities and Advocacy during Immunization Week 2024

Our shared goal is to achieve 95% immunization coverage, which ensures sustainable protection for the entire population. It's crucial to uphold the rights of all children to be vaccinated, with a particular emphasis advocacy with parents meeting these rights.

The Institute of Public Health marked Immunisation Week, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), by organising several activities to raise public awareness. Emphasis was placed on parents of young children, as well as healthcare workers.

By focusing on enhancing knowledge of health professionals about the benefits of vaccination and encouraging the public to get vaccinated, family doctors play a crucial role. During the European Immunization Week (EIW), the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Institute for Public Health (IPH), supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), organised a meeting with family doctors. The meeting was opened by Dr. Fetije Fetaj, Head of the Immunization Program, who highlighted the important role of family doctors in promoting vaccines. Dr. Edita Goranci Haxhiu, an epidemiologist from the World Health Organization (WHO), presented global vaccination successes and ongoing efforts to eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).

This year, a special focus has been placed on involving youth in creating a healthier future through vaccination. To this end, several meetings with medical students were organised.

After the activities, field visits were organized at vaccination centers across Kosovo to support primary care and the healthcare system. Meetings with vaccination teams focused on the challenges, achievements, and future steps in the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) over the past year, particularly concerning changes to the routine vaccination schedule. Representatives from the Institute for Public Health (IPH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) also participated, commending the extraordinary commitment and professionalism demonstrated over the years. Educational materials were distributed during the events.

During the European Immunization Week (EIW) events, the Institute for Public Health (IPH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended emphasizing this year that everyone should have the right to vaccination. This ensures no child remains unvaccinated, allowing them to lead a happy and healthy life.

Everyone has the right to be vaccinated!

European Immunization Week (EIW) events in Kosovo are supported by WHO Office in Pristina, funded by European Union and GAVI.