Maria F.R Larrinaga

Chief of Communication in UNICEF Lao PDR. Opinions shared are personal.

[Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya @BuyoyaJonah]

CHILDREN AT RISK: THE NUMBER OF UNVACCINATED BABIES HAS INCREASED BY OVER 700%

By Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya

In recent years, a growing movement of anti-vaxxers has been seen all across the globe. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of vaccines, a group of individuals continues to oppose these vaccines and hold the claim that they are ineffective and risk lives.

The anti-vaxxer movement is a global issue, with misinformation and misconceptions spreading rapidly through social media and other online platforms.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified vaccine hesitancy as one of the top ten global health threats, highlighting the urgent need for collective action to address this issue.

In Zambia, the situation is particularly concerning, with a significant increase in zero dose children, resulting in outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough.

Zero dose children are basically children who have received no vaccine of any sort.

According to the World Health Organization, in 2022, Zambia reported a staggering 324,619 zero dose children, a significant increase from 43,300 in 2020.

The Zambian government, with support from global health partners, has launched a comprehensive plan to address the vaccine gap, but more needs to be done to combat misinformation and promote vaccine acceptance.

As you may be aware, the consequences of anti-vaxxer misinformation are severe as we have seen a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, leading to unnecessary suffering and deaths.

In a poor population like Zambia, such diseases become increased healthcare cost and economic burden, which we can't afford.

Further, we can argue that such claims, when unfounded, have immense potential to undermine trust in science and public health institutions. This is detrimental to a population like ours where healthcare provision is still lacking in several areas.

Unicef is working with the government and myself as a partner to sensitise the public on the need to take vaccination seriously. As an organization working with local communities, they have noted the need to establish trust amongst citizens and ensure that children are protected and disease is prevented.

As we commemorate Fifty Years of Preventing Diseases Using Safe Vaccines in Zambia, we must recognize the power of vaccines in transforming lives.

#HumanlyPossible

[Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya @BuyoyaJonah]

In 2020, there were about 43,000 children who received no vaccination or immunisation. In 2022, this number rose to over 300,000. Since then, we have seen an increase in vaccine preventable diseases like measles and polio.

[Maria F.R Larrinaga @malarrinaga]

@BuyoyaJonah Yes, we can hear

[UNICEF Zambia @unicefzambia]

Learn how #NutritionSupportGroups in Lusaka's Kanyama township are addressing the impact of drought on children's nutrition and well-being. Their efforts are vital in ensuring children's well-being 🌾🥕 #Zambia #DroughtResponse
👉 Read More: https://t.co/UvG45pzcaw

[UNICEF Zambia @unicefzambia]

UNICEF DRD for ESAR, @LiekevandeWiel, with @sidbshrestha & @PennyUnicef, recently witnessed on-ground impact of Scaling Up Nutrition Phase II programme at Kalingalinga Health Center. The initiative is the flagship programme of GRZ in 🤝w/ UNICEF and SUN II donors. #SUNII #Zambia

[UNICEF Zambia @unicefzambia]

They met health workers, Nutrition Support Group (NSG) volunteers, promoters, and others including children. Beneficiaries shared the impact of savings on the wellness of the child and their empowerment as women. Interactions w/ NSG volunteers demonstrated local food management.

[UNICEF Zambia @unicefzambia]

@BMZ_Bund #kfw @EUinZambia @SwedeninZM @IrelandinZambia @Sida @FCDOGovUK @UKinZambia @GermanyinZambia @UNZambia @WHOZambia @FAO @WFP_Zambia @mohzambia
National Movement for Food and Nutrition Stability

[UNICEF Zambia @unicefzambia]

The most common causes of new-born & childhood deaths in #Zambia are PREVENTABLE! 🔴

With support from the Swedish Government, @UNICEF is providing financial & technical assistance to the @mohzambia in 5 provinces to improve the quality of new-born & maternal care. @Sida 🤝

[UNICEF Zambia @unicefzambia]

We visited Kalingalinga Health Centre with the Deputy Regional Director, Ms. @LiekevandeWiel, the Social and Behaviour Change Regional Advisor, @sidbshrestha, our Country Representative, @PennyUnicef, and our #UNICEF Zambia nutrition specialists.
For Every Child, Nutrition.

[UNICEF Zambia @unicefzambia]

Primary Health Care is cornerstone for a resilient & integrated health systems required to advance #UniversalHealthCoverage in #Africa. PHC is an approach that ensures health services are delivered effectively, equitably, and efficiently #CPHIA2023 side event by @UNICEF @WHOAFRO

[UNICEF Zambia @unicefzambia]

The community health workforce & programs can create strong and resilient health systems in #Africa. The @UNICEF side event #CPHIA2023 emphasises the need to coordinate, standardise, and integrate community health workforces for efficiency. 📣

[UNICEF Zambia @unicefzambia]

We have to walk the talk, be resilient, and be ready for the next pandemic. At a panel discussion #CPHIA2023 side event, @ngwakum, @UNICEFAfrica addresses developing resilient health systems and preparing for the next pandemic. #BreakingBarriers #ForEveryChild

[UNICEF Zambia @unicefzambia]

"By investing in community health efforts, health needs can be addressed with integrated approaches to reach children w/ the health services they need not only to survive, but thrive." @PearsonLuwei, Associate Director MNCAH, @UNICEF

[UNICEF Zambia @unicefzambia]

This is one of the Centers of Excellence in 5 provinces. #Zambia #ForEveryChild, Health 💙
@UNICEFAfrica

[UNICEF Zambia @unicefzambia]

Exciting visit of DRD @LiekevandeWiel @UNICEF ESARO & @PennyUnicef to University Teaching Hospital (Children) in Lusaka with to see 1st hand how prioritize high-impact interventions for better new-born & child health are being prioritized with support by Swedish Government.

[UNICEF Zambia @unicefzambia]

We heard of the grandmother supported by SUN II and is able to look after her grandchild and help her daughter go back to school. Thanks to our SUN II partners for their generosity in supporting this programme. #MakingADifference

[UNICEF Zambia @unicefzambia]

Today, we visited Kalingalinga Health Centre for the Scaling Up Nutrition Phase II Programme. @LiekevandeWiel, DRD ESARO, joined us on this visit, including a visit to a beneficiary household. We listened to the incredible testimonies of how the programme has transformed lives.

[PennyUNICEF @PennyUnicef]

In #WashingtonDC, advocating for maternal and child survival. #MomAndBaby investments, including in #Zambia, will make a powerful difference in the short, medium, and long term for us all! We know what needs to be done, so let's seize all opportunities, whether large or small.

[Maria F.R Larrinaga @malarrinaga]

Reimagining education in Laos to ensure every child in Laos is able to continue his/her learning journey should there be another lockdown or emergency #ForEveryChildEducation #WCD

[UNICEF Laos @UNICEFLaos]

Nickar is Reimagining Education where children and youth in Lao PDR have access to digital learning platform.

No child should miss out on education due to the digital divide. #ForEveryChild, #Education.

Join us! #WorldChildrensDay