National Immunization week launched today

The National Immunization week was launched today with a major focus on Hepatitis B vaccination at birth to prevent liver cancer.

The theme for this year’s National Immunization week is Stop Hepatitis B and Liver cancer “Vaccinate at Birth.”

According to Australian Aid Program and the Fiji Health Sector Support Program Counselor, Development Cooperation Fiji and Tuvalu Joanne Choe, the theme is highly appropriate as it targets one of Fiji's significantly biggest and silent killers.

She said Hepatitis B infection a disease with the propensity for irreversible liver damage is prevalent in the Pacific.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Eloni Tora said according to the 2012 survey, 95 percent of babies in Fiji are vaccinated compared to 79 percent in 2006.
 
He said the aim of the immunization week is to promote the use of vaccines to protect the people of all ages against diseases.

Story by: Praneeta Prakash