European Immunization Week
European Immunization Week (EIW) is an annual regional initiative, coordinated by the
EIW takes place each year in April. The initiative has spread from the Americas and Europe to become a global immunization effort known as World Immunization Week.[1] The initiative promotes the message that immunization of every child is vital in order to prevent diseases and protect life.[2] The EIW slogan is: Prevent. Protect. Immunize.
As stated by WHO/Europe, the goal of EIW is threefold: to increase vaccination coverage across the European Region by raising public awareness about the benefits of immunization; to support national immunization systems; and to provide a framework for mobilizing public and political support for immunization efforts.
Background
The first EIW was conducted in October 2005 by the WHO/Europe and a number of Member States across the Region.[3] The European Immunization Week (EIW) is an annual initiative to raise awareness, improve communication and advocate immunization across the WHO European Region.[4]
EIW started out of a concern that immunization is becoming less valued because of the decline in the incidence of, and reduced fear of infectious diseases.[4] Consequently, the coverage rates have declined in many countries across the WHO European Region; this has resulted in large, sporadic disease outbreaks. Average coverage rates vary greatly between Member States, however vulnerable groups exist all over the Region. This reduction in coverage rates have been influenced by media scares and groups/individuals opposed to immunization. Also, immunization often suffers from low political commitment due to competing health priorities.
EIW aims to increase vaccination coverage by raising awareness of the importance of every child's need and right to be protected from vaccine preventable diseases. This initiative targets parents and caregivers, health care professionals and policy makers. A special focus is also placed on activities targeting vulnerable groups and extending access to vaccinations through the life course.[3]
Partners of EIW
Partner organizations involved in EIW include, but are not limited to, UNICEF, the Measles & Rubella Initiative and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and Rotary International. Activities organized at the local and national levels take place in all WHO Member States involving a wide range of stakeholders.
EIW Royal Patron
See also
References
- ^ WHO
- ^ WHO Regional Office for Europe, About European Immunization Week
- ^ a b "European Immunization Week 2005". www.euro.who.int. 2016-02-08. Retrieved 2016-02-08.
- ^ a b "European Immunization Week". www.euro.who.int. 2016-02-08. Retrieved 2016-02-08.
- ^ "Official web site of HRH Crown Princess Mary". Archived from the original on 2009-01-31. Retrieved 2010-02-24.