Yellow fever vaccination booster not needed
The yellow fever ‘booster’ vaccination given ten years after the initial vaccination is not necessary, according to the World Health Organization. An article published in WHO’s Weekly Epidemiological Record reveals that the Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunization (SAGE) has reviewed the latest evidence and concluded that a single dose of vaccination is sufficient to confer life-long immunity against yellow fever disease.
Thirty-one priority countries eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus
Tetanus, one of the most deadly diseases a mother and her newborn can face, has been eliminated in over half of 59 priority countries, the Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination Initiative partners announced today.
The countries are: Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, China, Comoros, Congo, Cote d' Ivoire, Egypt, Eritrea, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Timor Leste, Togo, Turkey, Uganda, Viet Nam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Uganda introduces pneumococcal vaccine during African Vaccination Week
In an effort to protect more children against pneumococcal disease ― which causes life-threatening illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis ― the Government of Uganda, with support from WHO and partners, introduced the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on 27 April, in conjunction with African Vaccination Week.
“Health is wealth and one of the surest ways to be healthy and to stay in good health is by getting vaccinated”, said Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at the launching ceremony held at a rural primary school in Iganga district, eastern Uganda.
Children in Somalia receive new vaccination against deadly diseases
The Somali authorities launched a new five-in-one-vaccine against several potentially fatal childhood diseases, which could save thousands of lives. From 24 April 2013, Somali children will receive the pentavalent vaccine, a combination of five vaccines in one against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
“Both Hib and hepatitis B are of public health importance,” said Dr Marthe Everard, WHO Representative in Somalia. “There is little data on the epidemiologic burden of hepatitis B and Hib disease, or on the burden of diseases from meningitis or pneumonia, but data from neighbouring countries and the developing world indicate that Hib is a leading cause of acute bacterial meningitis and an important cause of severe pneumonia.”
