WHO continues to support Ukraine on immunization issues during the war

The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has identified immunoprophylaxis and vaccination as priority areas in 2023. This was discussed at a meeting of representatives of the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), which was recently chaired by the Minister of Health Viktor Liashko. 

“Due to russia's full-scale military aggression against Ukraine, the relevance of vaccinations against measles, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio is growing. At the same time, we see that due to the active work of the entire health system, the vaccination coverage rate in some regions has exceeded 90%. But it is worth remembering that the medical system operates in conditions of increased load due to military operations, so in order to avoid outbreaks of dangerous diseases, we must increase attention and direct all efforts to prioritize preventive vaccinations as one of the most effective ways to protect health,” Viktor Liashko stressed.

The participants of the meeting discussed the state and prospects of cooperation between the MoH and the WHO on population immunization, paid attention to the situation with the supply of vaccines, procurement plans for 2023, updating the legislative framework on immunization and steps that need to be made to implement the plan for the restoration of the healthcare system of Ukraine. 

“Despite the war, Ukraine continues to maintain the healthcare system at the proper level. I thank to our partners who help us with the delivery and storage of vaccines that require a special temperature regime. Due to your support, the state can provide vaccinations to all those who need it,” the Minister of Health stressed.

The parties also discussed issues of information support for vaccination campaigns and countering russian anti-vaccination propaganda, which has recently become active not only in Ukraine but also in Europe.

As a result of the meeting, the participants agreed on further work in the areas of immunization of the population against measles, rubella, mumps, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio; improving epidemic surveillance in Ukraine with special attention to the de-occupied territories; restoring the damaged medical infrastructure of Ukraine and providing cold equipment to medical institutions.