24 Apr 2024

Vaccines have saved countless lives, prevented fatal diseases and empowered communities and countries. 

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) and the launch of the African Vaccination Week (AVW) in Gaborone on Tuesday, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, Professor Oatlhokwa Nkomazana said through the programme, people have been immunised, lives saved, diseases prevented and communities empowered to achieve health equity and resilience across the country.

She noted that more people have benefited from efficacious vaccines since the existence of the programme on immunization which was launched by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1974. 

Noting that Botswana had made remarkable progress in immunisation since 1979, she mentioned the eradication of smallpox and the near elimination of polio as well as drastic reductions in measles and rubella cases as evidence that “immunisation has been nothing short of extraordinary.” 

Furthermore, she said reductions in diarrhoea and pneumonia cases, which were once major causes of morbidity and mortality among children under five years, were due to immunisation. 

Prof. Nkomazana said through the EPI@50’s efforts, remarkable achievements had been realised, including the eradication smallpox and the expansion of programme to offer 13 other antigens, adding that it was a substantial increase from the six vaccines that were available five decades ago. 

Moreover, Prof. Nkomazana noted that Botswana’s coverage was above 80 per cent to 90 per cent for most vaccines, and that it had lead to a significant decrease in vaccine preventable diseases. 

On the African region, Prof. Nkomazana highlighted that major gains had been made such as the elimination of wild polio and maternal and neonatal tetanus. She said they took pride at the ministry for having recently conducted an immunisation campaign with the novel oral Polio vaccine 2, adding that their coverage was at 81 per cent. 

Nevertheless, she said it has not been an easy journey as they encountered challenges, including disorganisation within the programme and limited human, infrastructure and capital resources. 

“Restricted access to vaccines, stemming from their limited availability, has resulted in a drop in vaccination coverage, exacerbated by an insufficient number of skilled personnel to effectively carry out immunisation activities,” she said. 

Prof. Nkomazana also said a mindset change was needed to do things differently and to overcome challenges in order to build a healthier, more resilient future for all. 

“Let us re-dedicate ourselves to the task at hand, strengthen our immunisation systems, expand access to vaccines and address the root causes of vaccine hesitancy,” she said, adding that they should also leverage on innovation, technology and community engagement to ensure no child was left behind. 

She also appealed to parents and caregivers to take their children to the nearest health facility this week to catch up on any missed vaccines. Ends