UNICEF and the World Bank deliver 2,5 million doses of the Measles and Rubella vaccine to vaccinate children in Tajikistan
DUSHANBE, July 4th, 2023 – A consignment with 2,5 million doses of the measles and rubella (MR) vaccine, was delivered to Tajikistan by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) with the financial support of the World Bank. This consignment is part of the support to the Government of Tajikistan in its efforts to stop further transmission of the measles outbreak, and address the immunity gap amongst children previously missed by routine immunisation services.
"This initiative underscores the importance of global immunisation efforts and serves as a reminder that together, we can prevent the spread of diseases and build a brighter future for all children."
World Bank Country Manager, Mr. Ozan Sevimli.
Following the agreement between the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan and UNICEF, the delivery of the MR vaccines was organized through UNICEF Supply Division in Copenhagen.
In the coming months, over two million children aged six months to fifteen years in 59 districts of the country will be reached by the immunisation campaign.
Measles and rubella vaccines prevent the spread of measles worldwide and help children grow up healthy and happy. However, UNICEF estimates that an average of 21 million children a year are not immunised against measles.
This has resulted in measles outbreaks now affecting several countries around the world, including in Tajikistan.
"Immunisation is the safest and one of the most cost-effective public health interventions to protect children worldwide from life-threatening diseases. We welcome the arrival of the MR vaccines in Tajikistan and thank the World Bank for its support in protecting the children of Tajikistan."
UNICEF Deputy Representative, Eri Dwivedi
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For further information, please contact:
Zarina Nurmukhambetova, External Affairs Officer, via znurmukhambetova@worldbank.org
Mahnoz Rahimzoda, Communications Consultant, via mrahimzoda@worldbank.org
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About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. UNICEF operates in Tajikistan since 1993.
To receive more information about UNICEF and our work in Tajikistan, please visit https://www.unicef.org/tajikistan/
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