The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has identified immunization and vaccination as priority areas for 2023. This was discussed at a meeting of representatives of the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), which was recently chaired by Minister of Health Viktor Liashko.

“Due to russia’s full-scale military aggression against Ukraine, vaccinations against measles, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, we see that thanks to active work of the entire healthcare system, the vaccination coverage rate in some regions has exceeded 90%. However, we should keep in mind that the medical system is functioning under increased stress due to hostilities, and in order to avoid outbreaks of dangerous diseases, we must increase attention and direct all efforts to prioritize preventive vaccinations as one of the most effective ways to protect health,” emphasized Viktor Liashko.

The participants of the meeting discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between the Ministry of Health and WHO on immunization of the population, paid attention to the situation with the supply of vaccines, procurement plans for 2023, updating the legislative framework on immunization, and steps that need to be taken to implement the plan for restoring the healthcare system of Ukraine.

“Despite the war, Ukraine continues to maintain the healthcare system at a proper level. I am grateful to our partners who help us solve the issues of delivery and storage of vaccines that require special temperature conditions. Thanks to your support, the state can provide vaccinations to everyone who needs them,” the Health Minister emphasized.

The parties also discussed the issue of information support for vaccination campaigns and counteracting russia’s anti-vaccination propaganda, which has recently intensified not only in Ukraine but also in Europe.

As a result of the meeting, the participants agreed to continue working on immunizing the population against measles, rubella, mumps, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio; improving epidemic surveillance in Ukraine, with a special focus on de-occupied territories; restoring Ukraine’s damaged medical infrastructure; and providing cold storage equipment to medical facilities.