March 29, 2024

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America may lose two decades of progress in childhood vaccination 'The World' Granma

America may lose two decades of progress in childhood vaccination ‘The World’ Granma

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has warned that countries in the Americas face the risk of declining levels of vaccination, with consequences for the emergence of disease outbreaks that have been under control for years.

According to the United Nations regional health agency, there has been an outbreak of measles in Brazil and transmission of diphtheria, a disease that threatens the growth and development of children, in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

And the same media outlet indicates that the new cases of infection with the emerging coronavirus in America recorded during the past seven days have reached unprecedented numbers, with the virus being discovered in more than eight million people, which is the highest record since the beginning of the epidemic. Added to this is the decrease in vaccination against other diseases, the Pan American Health Organization said.

WHO Director-General Carissa Etienne said that over the past two years, millions of children in the region have not attended their routine medical visits, a situation that has prevented them from continuing with their vaccination schedules.

He warned of the emergence of outbreaks of diseases that had been under control for years.

“Brazil, for example, is fighting the spread of measles, while Haiti and the Dominican Republic are fighting diphtheria transmission, which threatens children’s growth and development,” he explained.

Etienne noted that countries should prioritize coverage among groups at greater risk of illness and death from COVID-19 before considering child coverage, particularly in Caribbean countries where coverage among the elderly and at-risk groups, such as health workers, remains low. .

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However, it was in favor of immunizing minors in 12 countries and regions on the continent that had already reached the 70% vaccination coverage target set by the World Health Organization.

“In those countries, where vulnerable groups have already been protected and where additional vaccine supplies may be available, the advantages of vaccinating children should be considered to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2 further,” he said.

With regard to the development of the coronavirus on the continent, Etienne explained that over the past week more than eight million new cases of COVID-19 were detected, which is the highest record since the beginning of the epidemic and that it represents a growth of 32% in comparison. to the previous seven days.