#AVW2016: African Vaccination Week to be amplified by social media

Africa United Campaign teamed up with Immunization Partners and on this year’s AVW campaign, conversation from different social media scopes took to support the initiative with #AVW2016, #VaccinesWork and #EveryShotCounts.

The sixth annual African Vaccination Week (AVW) officially kicked off on 24th April in Ganta, Nimba County in Liberia where the WHO Regional Director for the Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti called upon all African countries to sustain gains and strengthen immunization coverage to reach the unreached communities.

The AVW was commemorated by Liberia and the rest of the countries in the African Region during the week of 24–30 April 2016 was this year themed “Close the Immunization Gap. Stay polio Free!” and draws attention to the need for universal immunization coverage in the African Region. It is also a celebration of the important polio eradication milestone that has been reached, and calls on countries to stay vigilant in the fight against polio, to stay polio free.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa said, “We have come a long way, but we are not yet where we need to be – countries need to act on the commitments made to close the immunization gap at the Addis Ababa Ministerial Conference on Immunization earlier this year.”

“Every Shot Counts” initiative made people from all walks of life commenting to create awareness and liked and shared the Every Shots Counts African Vaccination Week 2016 video. 

First Lady of Rwanda said, “Building on its vaccination achievements, Rwanda will continue promoting healthy practices during.”

WHO Uganda commented, “#AVW2016 is an opportunity to receive other life-saving services & tools: Vitamin A supplements, deworming & LLITNs!”

“Ending polio takes science, advocacy, health workers and you. Meet the Agents of Polio Eradication, said Rotary International,” Rotary International commented.