GABORONE, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Botswana joined the rest of the world on Tuesday in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), an event that coincided with the launch of African Vaccination Week from April 24 to 30.

"With a steadfast commitment to public health and well-being, Botswana joins hands with nations across the globe to commemorate this historic milestone and reinforce the importance of vaccination in safeguarding communities against infectious diseases," said Christopher Nyanga, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health.

According to Nyanga, EPI was established in 1974 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been instrumental in delivering life-saving vaccines to millions of people worldwide, significantly reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. Nyanga said that since the inception of Botswana's national immunization program in 1979, the country has achieved significant milestones in immunization coverage.

"This anniversary recognizes the program's successes in eradicating vaccine diseases such as smallpox, whooping cough, diphtheria, and polio," he said.

He added that through sustained collaboration with international partners, healthcare professionals and local communities, Botswana continues to enhance vaccination coverage, bolstering immunity, and protecting vulnerable populations. "As Botswana celebrates EPI@50, it reaffirms its dedication to strengthening immunization efforts nationwide."

Meanwhile, African Vaccination Week gives the Ministry of Health an opportunity to reach children who missed out on routine vaccines, restoring essential immunization coverage to pre-COVID-19 levels.

"The commemoration also helps strengthen primary health care to deliver immunization and build lasting protection in communities," said Nyanga, adding that the ministry urges parents and caregivers to take children aged 0 to 59 months to their nearest health facility to catch up on any missed vaccines. Enditem

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