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Afghanistan introduces PCV13 into routine immunization schedule

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Afghanistan has introduced the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine into their routine immunization schedule, and will begin vaccinating over 1.2 million children, according to the GAVI Alliance.

“Afghanistan is taking a big step towards securing a healthier future for its children," Seth Berkley, CEO of the GAVI Alliance, said in a press release. “The addition of pneumococcal vaccine to the childhood immunization package will help protect the lives of the children who represent the country’s future.”

Afghanistan’s ministry of public health is receiving support from GAVI, WHO and UNICEF to distribute the vaccine free of charge to all children aged younger than 1 year.

According to WHO, approximately 150,000 children are affected by pneumonia in Afghanistan every year, and 30,000 children aged younger than 5 years die of the infection.

“Preventing epidemic diseases through vaccination is a cheap and effective way of protecting our children against these illnesses,” Suraya Dalil, MD, MPH, Afghanistan’s minister of public health, said in a press release. “By vaccinating children regularly we can reduce child mortality in Afghanistan."