Berea District—The colourful group of Mamatebele, positioned on the outskirts of Berea District, not too long ago got here alive with celebrations marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). This pivotal world well being initiative, launched by the World Well being Group (WHO) in 1974, has performed a vital function in guaranteeing equitable entry to life-saving vaccines for each little one, regardless of their location or socioeconomic standing.
The EPI was initially established to fight six childhood diseases: tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and measles. Over time, this system has expanded to incorporate greater than 13 universally beneficial vaccines, acknowledged as a number of the most secure and most cost-effective public well being interventions to stop fatalities and enhance high quality of life. Immunization is estimated to avert no less than three million deaths yearly and has saved greater than 154 million lives since its inception, considerably lowering toddler mortality by over 40 p.c.
The EPI Programme in Lesotho has achieved notable milestones, together with sustaining a polio-free standing since 2005, eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus, and considerably lowering the incidence of vaccine-preventable illnesses (VPDs).
Coinciding with the EPI @ 50 celebrations, the occasion additionally honoured World Polio Day and noticed the official launch of the second dose of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV2).
Dr. Mary Stephen, WHO Appearing Consultant to Lesotho, praised the federal government’s steadfast assist of the EPI program. “Lesotho’s dedication to the EPI since 1979 and its polio-free standing since 2005 is commendable. Additionally it is vital that Lesotho is among the first international locations within the African Area to introduce IPV2 into its routine immunization program,” Dr. Stephen highlighted.
She additional acknowledged the dedication and sacrifices of well being employees, companions, group leaders, and households who’ve made progress within the EPI attainable. “Progress is actual, however setbacks can happen after we lose vigilance. Collectively, allow us to proceed to construct on the legacy of EPI and depart nobody behind with immunization, thereby paving the best way for a more healthy, safer future for all,” she urged.
The Minister of Well being represented by the Everlasting Secretary, Matsoanelo Monyobi lauded the collaborative efforts which have pushed the success of the EPI program in Lesotho. “Because of a novel public-private partnership between WHO, Rotary Worldwide, the US Centres for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), UNICEF, the Invoice & Melinda Gates Basis, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, polio has been decreased by greater than 99%,” mentioned the Minister.
Emphasising the significance of leaving no little one behind, Monyobi urged all healthcare suppliers and caregivers to proceed working diligently to make sure that each little one is vaccinated.
The celebration, attended by officers from the Ministry of Well being, WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary Worldwide, and different stakeholders, underscored the unified effort to reinforce public well being and immunization initiatives in Lesotho.