Brussels - New York: Europe and the Arabs

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that more than 4.3 million children in the Middle East and North Africa region did not receive any dose of measles vaccine between 2019 and 2021.
According to a United Nations media release, of which we received a copy, the organization said, in a press release, that about 3.8 million children did not receive full immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (the triple vaccine) during the same period.
She added that more than 2.27 million of these children did not receive any dose of the vaccine.
“It is sad and worrying that a region – which once had one of the highest immunization coverage rates in the world – is seeing a setback in immunization rates,” said Adele Khedr, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. “This puts children in our region at risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases.” ".
And while the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, according to UNICEF, the ongoing conflicts, displacement, and the increase in the number of refugees living in difficult conditions, in addition to weak health, water and sanitation systems, all increase the risk of disease spread.
The organization stressed the need for concerted efforts to follow up on the immunization of children who missed it during the pandemic and to ensure that they receive vaccines at the appropriate time and age, regardless of their nationality, place of birth or legal status.
UNICEF called on governments, health and medical professionals and civil society in the region to urgently prioritize immunization efforts, including through public funding and building resilient primary health care systems to respond to public health needs.
“Investing in immunization is a proven, cost-effective way to protect children and communities from disease,” Khodr said. “UNICEF remains committed to working with governments and partners in the Middle East and North Africa region to expand access to vaccines, strengthen health systems, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.” and achieve its full potential.”