WHO/UNICEF Workshop on the Expanded Programme on Immunization and Control of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in the Pacific Island Countries and Areas, Nadi, Fiji, 2-6 April 2001

A WHO/UNICEF Workshop on the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and Control of Vaccine-Preventable Disease in the Pacific Island Countries and Areas was held in Nadi, Fiji, from 2 to 6 April 2001. Seventeen Pacific island countries and areas sent national representatives to the workshop. The workshop reviewed the progress made since the last workshop in October 1999 on a wide range of EPI issues including maintaining AFP surveillance, the introduction of new vaccines, measles and hepatitis B control, the safety of injections and vaccine use and supply.During the workshop, participants discussed ways to maintain the quality of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance while expanding the number of reporting sites to improve surveillance for measles and rubella. Emphasis was placed on writing and adopting national EPI
Plans of Action for 2001 – 2002, on making the start of the
Strengthening EPI in Pacific Countries" a success and on the appropriate and timely introduction of Hemophilus influenza type
B vaccine. EPI is a well-established programme throughout the Pacific island countries and areas, and high EPI coverage has been maintained for years. It is expected that 13 of the Pacific island countries and areas will conduct national measles follow-up campaigns in the coming year, further progress will be made in the safety of injections and that routine immunization services and funding will continue to improve.