Luanda: Angola will continue to strengthen strategies to increase vaccination coverage in the country, with a particular focus on children who have not yet received any doses of the vaccine, the Health Minister Silvia Lutucuta said on Tuesday in Luanda. Speaking at the close of the National Round Table marking World Health Day, held under the slogan 'Together for Health, Support Science', the minister explained that Angola has made significant progress in the health sector, including an increase in the number of children vaccinated.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister acknowledged that significant challenges remain, particularly regarding so-called 'zero-dose children', who have never had access to any vaccine. 'We are working to reduce the number of unvaccinated children by stepping up campaigns and awareness-raising initiatives across the country,' she said. Silvia Lutucuta stated that the government set a schedule for new rounds of vaccination, including campaigns against polio, with the aim of reaching the most vulnerable communities and improving vaccination coverage levels.
The minister emphasized that increasing vaccination rates is crucial to reducing child mortality, as preventable diseases continue to affect mainly children under the age of five, the most vulnerable group in the country. She also highlighted that the government has been investing in the expansion of primary healthcare, through the construction of new health facilities and the strengthening of human resources, measures considered essential to ensure greater access to vaccination services.
Armanda Mukwashi, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Angola, highlighted the need to intensify joint efforts to eliminate inequalities in access to vaccines. She highlighted the fundamental role of science and evidence-based interventions in improving the population's quality of life, emphasizing that millions of lives are saved every year thanks to scientific advances and effective public health strategies.
Armanda Mukwashi praised the progress made in Angola, highlighting the expansion of essential health services, the introduction of new vaccines, such as the hepatitis B vaccine, and advances in epidemiological surveillance systems and health emergency response. She also highlighted the importance of continuous training for healthcare professionals and the Government's commitment, led by the Ministry of Health, as well as the contribution of national and international partners.
'Healthcare in Angola has seen significant progress, with a direct impact on people's lives. However, it is equally important to recognize that there is still much to be done,' she said. The UN official highlighted challenges such as inequalities in access to quality healthcare services, particularly in primary care, difficulties in accessing vaccination, as well as issues relating to sexual and reproductive health and nutrition.
World Health Day is celebrated annually on 7 April, the date marking the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. Since 1950, the day has served to raise public awareness of global health issues, promote healthy habits, focus on disease prevention and highlight physical and mental well-being.
