Damascus, SANA- The Ministry of Health organized an introductory seminar Sunday about a campaign to promote routine vaccination for children and follow up on those under the age of five who missed vaccinations.
The campaign is set to launch on April 21 and will continue until April 30, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The seminar, held at the Ministry of Information, introduced the campaign’s objectives, justifications, guidelines, and messages, in addition to assigning roles and coordinating efforts to facilitate its execution. It also emphasized the role of media in promoting awareness of the campaign.
Dr. Razan al-Tarabishi, Director of Primary Healthcare and Head of the National Expanded Immunization Program at the Ministry of Health, explained that the campaign targets children aged from birth to five years. It aims to evaluate their immunization status and reach approximately 3.2 million children, providing the necessary vaccines, particularly to those who have never received a dose since birth (“zero dose”).
Dr. al-Tarabishi assured that the vaccine is safe, effective, free of charge, and recommended by the World Health Organization.
She highlighted that incomplete immunization means no protection, and the overarching goal is to safeguard children against diseases covered by the National Immunization Program. Additional goals include increasing vaccine coverage rates, reducing illness and mortality rates, and administering age-appropriate doses of Vitamin A to children under five. She noted that common symptoms like colds, diarrhea, or mild fever do not prevent vaccination.
Dr. al-Tarabishi estimated that over 250,000 children, including those overdue for vaccinations and “zero dose” children, are expected to receive vaccines during the campaign. Additionally, the vaccination status of about 3.2 million children under five will be assessed.
This campaign is the first to be implemented after the liberation of Syria. It covers all Syrian governorates and is implemented through 1,094 fixed health centers, 82 newly established centers, and 1,008 mobile teams covering various regions. More than 10,863 health workers are participating.
Reem Abdulhameed / Ruaa al-Jazaeri
