Madrid, Spain - In a thought-provoking session at the Global Vaccine Impact Conference, in Madrid, Spain recently, the Ugandan Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, delivered a compelling conversation on the interplay between climate change and pandemic preparedness.
Highlighting the growing evidence of the relationship between climate change and the prevalence and severity of infectious diseases, Dr. Aceng emphasized the crucial role of vaccines in mitigating the healthcare challenges induced by the climate crisis.
“Vaccines play a key role in addressing complex health care challenges induced by the climate crisis, and are key for pandemic and epidemic preparedness and responsiveness, especially through the prevention and control of climate-sensitive infectious diseases,” she submitted.
Speaking before an international audience of experts and policymakers, Dr. Aceng stressed the significance of vaccines in addressing climate-sensitive infectious diseases, which have shown an alarming rise over the past 15 years. She underscored the need to appreciate the value of vaccines and vaccination in combating these diseases and building resilience in healthcare systems.
“To effectively tackle climate-sensitive infectious diseases, we must recognize and harness the power of vaccines,” said Dr. Aceng. “Vaccination serves as a critical tool for pandemic and epidemic preparedness, offering prevention and control measures against climate-driven health threats.”
Dr. Aceng urged the global community to increase calls for investments in research, specifically targeting emerging diseases and outbreaks. By tracking these health challenges and developing innovative technologies, Uganda and other nations can enhance their capabilities to control and combat climate-related infections.
Furthermore, the Minister called for sustained incentives to manufacturers, encouraging ongoing investments in vaccine improvement, the development of new vaccines, and the adoption of advanced production processes and technologies. This commitment to innovation and quality will ensure a continuous supply of effective vaccines to address the evolving landscape of climate-sensitive infectious diseases.
Building resilient healthcare systems was another key point emphasized by Dr. Aceng. She emphasized the importance of community engagement and legislation to foster demand for vaccinations, a crucial step in preventing climate change-related infections. By empowering communities and enacting supportive policies, Uganda aims to create a robust vaccination infrastructure that effectively safeguards public health.
Vaccines in a Ugandan Context
The Ugandan context brings additional significance to Dr. Aceng’s message.
As a country heavily affected by infectious diseases such as malaria and other vector-borne illnesses, Uganda is acutely aware of the challenges posed by climate change.
By championing the role of vaccines in combatting these diseases, Uganda seeks to strengthen its public health defenses and protect its population from the impacts of a changing climate.
Dr. Aceng’s insightful remarks at the Global Vaccine Impact Conference serve as a call to action for global cooperation and prioritization of vaccines in the face of climate-driven health risks.
Uganda has established a routine immunization program aimed at providing vaccines to children against preventable diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and hepatitis B.
The government, with support from partners, has been working to ensure that vaccines are administered to infants and children at various health facilities, including immunization outreach programs in remote areas.
For instance, the Expanded Program on Immunization in Uganda targets vaccination for diseases such as measles, rubella, polio, and pneumococcal infections. Through this program, efforts have been made to increase immunization coverage and strengthen the vaccine supply chain management across the country.
Uganda has been actively addressing vaccine-preventable diseases, including efforts to control outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, yellow fever, meningitis, and hepatitis E. Vaccination campaigns and interventions have been implemented in areas where these diseases are prevalent to prevent further transmission.
One such intervention has been seen in the country’s robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda initiated a COVID-19 vaccination campaign to protect its population from the virus and minimized deaths.
Through the COVAX facility and bilateral agreements with vaccine manufacturers, the government has been implementing massive vaccination campaigns including having started with a phased approach, prioritizing high-risk groups, including healthcare workers, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions, in 2020 when the pandemic broke out.
From this conference, it would appear that Uganda stands ready to play its part in addressing this pressing issue, ensuring the well-being and resilience of its people in the face of an uncertain future.
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