AKIPRESS.COM - Uzbekistan has been officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a country that eliminated Measles and Rubella. The country achieved elimination of these diseases from January 2014 to December 2016, UNICEF said in press release.

The Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella in the WHO European Region underlined that this fact contributes significantly to the goal of eliminating Measles and Rubella throughout the European region.

In 2007, Uzbekistan introduced the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination to the National Immunization Calendar. Two shots of MMR vaccine for children (in the ages of 12 months and 6 years old) build good immunity against these diseases for the rest of their lives.

MMR vaccination rates in the country are as high as 99.5% during the first vaccination and 99.7% in re-vaccination (2016).

The Ministry of Health makes significant effort in implementing the National Immunization Programme, to prevent and eliminate vaccine preventive diseases.

UNICEF assists the Government of Uzbekistan in procurement and introduction of new vaccines, strengthening the cold chain, achieving sustainable self-financing of vaccines procurement, and continuously increasing demand for vaccination through communication efforts.

During last decade, Uzbekistan has been transferring to sustainable and independent financing of vaccines procurement. In 2010, 90% of vaccines delivered to the country were purchased using the state budget. By 2020, the country plans to become fully independent in vaccine procurement.