Journal of Vaccines & Vaccination

Polio outbreak review in the Middle East and polio immunization mop-up campaigns in the Lebanese/ Syrian refugees context and post campaign results

10^th Euro Global Summit and Expo on Vaccines & Vaccination

June 16-18, 2016 Rome, Italy

Randa Hamadeh, Walid Ammar and Gabriele Riedner

Ministry of Public Health, Lebanon
WHO Country Office, Lebanon

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Vaccines Vaccin

Abstract:

The Lebanese ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in partnership with WHO and UNICEF conducted supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) to prevent the importation of the poliovirus as part of the regional response to the polio outbreak in Syria. Several rounds were implemented since October 2013. The last sub-national campaign was conducted from 23-29 April 2015, aiming to reach children from zero to 59 months in 180 high risk areas (risks index taking into consideration the proximity to the Syrian borders, the crowding of Syrians, the type of residence and the low routine coverage). The MoPH assigned teams to vaccinate children in schools, kindergartens and nurseries. In designated communities and in informal tented settlements (ITSs), a house-to-house (tent-to-tent) vaccination approach was carried out. Each vaccination round was followed by a post Campaign Assessment (PCA) phase in order to take corrective measures needed, particularly in terms of reaching and covering the missed area/houses/children. High vaccination coverage was reached during the national immunization campaigns in October and November 2014 with 91% and 96%, respectively. During the sub-national campaigns in April 2015 vaccination coverage was 78% among the community residents and 92% among the Syrians hosted in ITSs; coverage had increased compared to March 2015 campaign with 71.4% and 96% respectively. The vaccination coverage was consistent across all ages with a persistent higher percentage of coverage among school age groups compared to below three years old. The majority of children above three years of age were vaccinated in schools while children below two year of age were vaccinated in dispensaries, private clinics and nurseries. The Presidency of the Council of Ministers�?? (PCM), among others, are recommending that special attention be given to the enhancement of the routine immunization services and the need for innovative initiatives to reach Syrians outside the ITS.

Biography :

Randa Hamadeh is the Head of the Social Health Service and Primary Health Care Department and the Manager of Immunization and Essential Drugs Program at the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. She has contributed to creating a PHC network in Lebanon through which preventive programs and community health initiatives could be initiated, usually involving local municipalities and NGOs. She has contributed to the introduction of the PHC facility accreditation program in Lebanon in 2008 and is the Vice Chair of the National Accreditation Committee. She has actively participated in the foundation of various NGOs. She is the author of many public health papers and booklets. She holds an MPH degree, a PhD in Public Health and a Vaccinology Diploma.

Email: randa_ham@hotmail.com