The widespread acceptability of vaccines is reflected by the absence of major opposition to immunization programs during this phase, as well as by a significant increase in the overall vaccination coverage (Kerala = 84%; national average = 54.2%) [ 18].
Religious opposition by Muslim fundamentalists is a major factor in the failure of immunization programs against polio in Nigeria (2 ), Pakistan (3 ) and Afghanistan (4 ).
Some of these firms have become major global suppliers of vaccines to public immunization programs in collaboration with the UNICEF, PAHO and the WHO [ 11].
Dr. Aylward said one reason for optimism was that large immunization programs had quickly controlled two major epidemics in 1999: 1,103 cases in Angola and 500 in Congo.
UNICEF hails Gates and Norway vaccine contribution NEW YORK, 25 January 2005 – UNICEF today welcomed the major new contributions from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Government of Norway to global immunization programs, totaling more than $1 billion over ten years.
Rubella occurred worldwide before immunization programs were instituted, with minor epidemics arising every 6 to 9 years and major epidemics every 30 years.
Introduction of PCV7 into routine childhood immunization programs in the United States resulted in dramatic reductions in rates of pneumococcal-related diseases and major changes in the epidemiology for all age groups (5, 18 – 23 ).
Money for other immunization programs was not reduced, he said.
Usually, influenza immunization programs have been completed by now.
To reinvigorate world immunization programs, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization was formed in 1999, encompassing Unicef, the World Health Organization, national governments, philanthropic organizations, pharmaceutical companies and others.
