Routine child vaccination imperative
n the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of routine immunisation programmes cannot be overstated. The recent Vaccination Day in Motokwe, orchestrated through collaborative efforts between UNICEF, USAID, BRCS, and the Ministry of Health, underscores a commendable stride towards fortifying child health services.
The painful reality as reflected by the Ministry of Health’s data regarding the decline in routine immunisation coverage since the onset of the pandemic, is a cause for concern. It underscores the urgent need to address the disruptions brought about by COVID-19 on essential health services, particularly those safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society, our children.
Botswana’s adoption of the Integrated Based Community Health Services (ICHBS) guidelines and the Child Health Days initiative, demonstrates a proactive approach towards mitigating the adverse effects of the pandemic on children’s health. Not only do these strategic interventions aim to reduce morbidity and mortality amongst children, but they also exemplify a concerted effort to redefine primary healthcare paradigms.
However, amidst these efforts, the challenges posed by the pandemic persist. Redirected resources and attention towards emergent health crises have inadvertently led to a lapse in routine immunisation coverage, leaving a generation of children potentially vulnerable to preventable diseases.
UNICEF’s alarming statistics further underscore the magnitude of the challenge at hand. Millions of children worldwide have missed out on life-saving vaccinations due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The repercussions of these missed immunisations are profound and underscore the need for swift and decisive action.
The Vaccination Day in Motokwe symbolises a beacon of hope amidst these challenges. It signifies a collective commitment to revitalising routine immunisation efforts, safeguarding the health and well being of Botswana’s children, and charting a course towards a healthier, more resilient future.
As we reflect on the significance of this event, let us not only commend the collaborative efforts of UNICEF, USAID, BRCS, and the Ministry of Health but also recognise the indispensable role played by frontline health workers, community leaders, and organisations in safeguarding the health of our youngest citizens. Together, let us redouble our efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccines, protect our children from preventable diseases, and build a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. We know of certain cultures where their children do not take these vaccines. We hope more efforts will be channelled their way. Just as vaccinations saved us from COVID-19, they can save us and our children from much more.