The World Immunization Week is underway from April 24 to 30, with the UNICEF office in Uzbekistan highlighting the successes of child and adult immunization efforts supported by the UN agency. Collaborating with Gavi, the WHO, and USAID, UNICEF's technical assistance in Uzbekistan has significantly improved immunization services and infrastructure, benefiting 3.5 million children under the National Immunization Program.
Stable vaccine supplies have enabled 950,000 children annually to receive three doses of the DTP vaccine. In 2023, UNICEF facilitated the procurement of 28.1 million doses for routine immunization and 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses through COVAX. Uzbekistan's Ministry of Health reports 96% coverage for routine immunization and 54.1% completion of the primary COVID-19 vaccination series.
UNICEF's support in Uzbekistan extends to enhancing vaccine storage and distribution conditions, including strengthening the cold chain infrastructure and implementing real-time temperature monitoring systems at all 221 vaccine storage facilities. Digital technologies are also being leveraged to strengthen immunization systems, with the Electronic Immunization Registry (EIR) facilitating online access to vaccination records for citizens by 2024.
The global immunization effort, including in Uzbekistan, has showcased the power of collective action in safeguarding public health. The joint campaign "Humanly Possible" by WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation aims to advocate for and fund vital vaccines and immunization programs, acknowledging the monumental impact of immunization on global health.
Research published in The Lancet underscores the life-saving impact of immunization efforts, having saved approximately 154 million lives over the past 50 years. Vaccination against 14 diseases has contributed to a 40% reduction in infant mortality worldwide. Notably, polio vaccination has enabled over 20 million individuals to walk who would have otherwise been paralyzed, marking significant progress towards eradicating polio.
As the world commemorates the achievements in child survival through immunization, the focus remains on protecting immunization progress globally and reaching the 67 million children who missed vaccines during the pandemic. The next 50 years of expanded immunization programs will require efforts to not only reach unvaccinated children but also protect the elderly, mothers, adolescents, and all individuals from a range of infectious diseases.
