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Senegal introduces pneumococcal, measles-rubella vaccines
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Senegal has added two new vaccines to its child immunization schedule for pneumonia, rubella and measles, according to a press release from the GAVI Alliance.
The addition of the pneumococcal and measles-rubella vaccines to Senegal's immunization schedule were facilitated through the GAVI Alliance's Advance Market Commitment program, which incentivizes manufacturers to speed up the development and availability of vaccines for use in developing countries.
"These introductions are very important for Senegal because children are dying every day from these vaccine-preventable diseases," Senegal Health Minister Awa Marie Coll-Seck, MD, PhD, said in the release. "I am happy that we have been able to introduce these vaccines for our children with GAVI Alliance support."
The pneumococcal vaccine is being introduced into Senegal's immunization schedule immediately, and the measles-rubella vaccine will be part of the 2014 schedule.
"Senegal is investing in the health of its children by protecting them from these three potentially fatal diseases," said Seth Berkley, MD, CEO of the GAVI Alliance. "We want to see children benefiting from the power of vaccines no matter where in the world they live."