Global Vaccine Alliance visits Mozambique to renew commitment to support immunization

A Global Vaccine Alliance (GAVI) mission will visit Mozambique starting this Sunday to support and “accelerate routine immunization” in the country, which achieved more than 95% polio vaccination coverage in 2022.

The visit represents “an opportunity for sustained engagement, in-depth conversations and strengthening” of partnerships for “an effective and well-resourced immunization program that improves the health outcomes of the Mozambican population,” Gavi’s chief executive was quoted as saying in a note sent to the media.

The visit, which will last until Tuesday, is also aimed at reaffirming Gavi’s commitment to supporting immunization efforts in Mozambique, the director said.

In addition to immunization against polio, in 2022 Mozambique achieved 94% national vaccination coverage with the first dose of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and 99% vaccination rate against Covid-19, according to the note. coverage of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years.

“This visit will be an opportunity to strengthen our partnership to ensure that primary health care is accessible and equitable in our country,” said Mozambican Health Minister Armindo Thiago.

The official also said the visit comes at a time when the country is grappling with a declining number of children not receiving the first dose of vaccines in the national vaccination schedule, a problem that is occurring in at least five provinces. .

According to the memo, in addition to Gavi executive director David Marlow, the visiting mission to Mozambique also includes other senior officials from the agency, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

During his stay in the African country, meetings are planned with members of the Mozambican government, donors, non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations, among other things.