The event, held at TANGO conference hall, also serves as a catalyst to build partnership, mobilise resources and network.
The forum, which accorded participants the opportunity to share best practices and engage in insightful discussions, was attended by key stakeholders from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and representative of the Ministry of Health (MOH).
At the event, Ndey Sireng Bakurin, Executive Director of TANGO, underscored the significance of immunisation in safeguarding public health, saying it does not only protect individuals from debilitating diseases, but also helps in advancing the well-being of the society.
Bakurin reminded that the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) with its comprehensive approaches to vaccine delivery and disease prevention (STANDS), is a beacon of hope in their quest for a healthier and more resilient future.
“Despite the remarkable progress achieved through immunisation efforts in the country, our health sector is still confronted with persistent challenges in ensuring equitable access to vaccination services and fostering widespread acceptance of immunisation among the population.”
Thus, she called for the need for unwavering commitments and putting in place concrete actions, to strengthen NGOs, government partners, CSOs and other relevant stakeholders to effect positive change and drive meaningful progress in immunisation across the country.
“Together, let’s forge ahead with determination, compassion and resilience as we strive to realise the full potential of immunisation in building healthier and more vibrant communities for generations to come.”
Samba Bah, a resource person who also represented the Ministry of Health, outlined the importance of immunisation in ensuring a healthier community, saying the latter is one of the most important components in the health care interventions.
Bah acknowledged that there have been great efforts in terms of immunisation in the past, which TANGO had been very helpful.
Going through the records of vaccination coverage, he shared that records have indicated backdrop and that ‘if immunisation stops’ it will lead to disease outbreaks.
