Nine Pacific countries have pledged to enhance protection for children against life-threatening diseases by expanding their immunization programs, implemented by UNICEF in partnership with Ministries of Health and funded by Rotary since 2020.
This commitment entails the inclusion of vaccines for Pneumococcal Disease, Rotavirus, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) into the nations’ National Immunization Programs. Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Nauru, Niue, Tokelau, and Kiribati will all benefit from the incorporation of these vaccines.
Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF Pacific’s Representative, emphasized the significance of immunization as a cost-effective public health intervention, stating, “Immunization has safely reduced the scourge of diseases, helping children grow up healthy and happy.”
Acknowledging the pivotal role of Rotary and the Pacific Island governments in this long-term partnership with UNICEF, Mr. Veitch expressed gratitude for their commitment to protecting children and young people from vaccine-preventable diseases. He highlighted the region’s particular vulnerability, where pneumonia and diarrhoea rank among the top childhood killers.
Pneumonia and diarrhoea stand as leading causes of mortality in children under five in the Pacific, with approximately one-third of pneumonia deaths attributed to pneumococcal disease. Meanwhile, rotavirus remains the primary cause of severe diarrhoea in young children, posing life-threatening risks if untreated.
Furthermore, the introduction of the HPV vaccine for adolescent girls aims to combat the high burden of cervical cancer cases in the Pacific, predominantly linked to HPV infection.
UNICEF will continue supporting routine immunization programs in Pacific Island Countries, focusing on strengthening vaccine management practices, fostering community engagement to generate vaccine demand, and ensuring governments’ access to quality, effective vaccines at affordable costs.
James Allen, Rotary Project Director, underscored Rotary’s commitment to enhancing community resilience and healthcare systems for sustainable access to healthcare. He commended the Pacific nations for their dedication to the vital work initiated by Rotary, UNICEF, and Ministries of Health, safeguarding the health of Pacific islanders for generations to come.
Rotary’s fundraising efforts, amounting to US$3.9 million, have significantly contributed to the project implemented by UNICEF, in collaboration with Ministries of Health, and supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
UNICEF reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring that all children and adolescents enjoy good health, wellbeing, and reach their full potential.
About Rotary: Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders committed to addressing the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges and effecting lasting change. With 1.4 million people of action from over 46,000 Rotary clubs worldwide, Rotary’s service extends from local community support to global efforts, including the drive toward a polio-free world.
About UNICEF: Operating in over 190 countries, UNICEF works in some of the world’s most challenging environments to reach disadvantaged children. In Australia, UNICEF collaborates with local partners to advocate for children’s rights, improve maternal and child health, education, nutrition, and respond to emergencies, relying entirely on voluntary donations to provide essential support. UNICEF Pacific strives to unite countries across the region in safeguarding vulnerable children and adolescents.
