WHO 2011-2020 Immunization Plan Update to be Presented in Qatar

'Doha, May 05 (QNA) - The World Health Organisation's (WHO) action plan for the Decade of Vaccines (2011-2020), focused on the global status of immunization, will be presented at the 'Excellence In Paediatrics Conference' to be held in Qatar from December 4 to 7 later this year. WHO Programme and Impact Monitoring in the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biological Co-ordinator, Dr Thomas Cherian will present the action plan at the conference, Excellence in Paediatrics Institute, a global community of pediatric healthcare professionals, has announced. Sidra Medical and Research Center, member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is sponsoring the conference. The Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) was endorsed by the 194 member states of the World Health Assembly in May 2012 to achieve the Decade of Vaccines vision by delivering universal access to immunization. The GVAP's mission is to improve health by extending the full benefits of immunization to all people, regardless of where they are born, who they are or where they live by 2020. If the GVAP is translated into action and resources are mobilized, between 24.6 and 25.8 million deaths could be averted by the end of the decade, billions of dollars in productivity will be gained, and immunization will greatly contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goal 4 target to reduce by two-thirds the under-five mortality rate. The GVAP builds on the Global Immunization Vision and Strategy 20062015, the United Nation's Millennium Declaration and the UN Secretary-General's Global Strategy for Women and Childrens Health. Sidra's commitment to improving the provision of healthcare for women and children in Qatar, the region and internationally supports the goals of the GVAP. Sidra's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Edward Ogata, "At Sidra, the focus is not only on ensuring an unparalleled patient experience within the hospital, but improving the individuals overall wellbeing before they even arrive to our doors. Vaccination is essential in disease prevention and I am looking forward to Dr. Cherian's update on WHO's action plan for the Decade of Vaccines." Developing the plan has brought together multiple stakeholders involved in immunization, including the leadership of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations, GAVI Alliance, UNICEF, and the US National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases. All partners, including governments and elected officials, health professionals, academia, manufacturers, global agencies, development partners, civil society, media and the private sector are committed to achieving the ambitious goals of the GVAP. (QNA)