UNION Minister for Health Dr Thet Khaing Win met the dele­gation led by Mr Ricard Lacort Monte, Senior Country Manager of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) based in Geneva, Switzerland, togeth­er with representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) based in Yangon. The meeting took place yesterday at the Ministry of Health’s meeting hall in Nay Pyi Taw.

The Union minister stated that the Department of Public Health is implementing nation­wide vaccination campaigns and providing timely basic health­care and treatment services to the public. Routine and catch-up vaccination programmes are be­ing conducted, including in areas such as Kyaukme, Hsipaw, and Nawnghkio Townships, which were previously under terrorist control. Special immunization programmes are also being carried out for children under 15 years of age, according to the appropriate age categories.

He noted that since the Man­dalay earthquake, there have been no cases of vaccine-pre­ventable diseases or epidemic outbreaks in the affected areas. He emphasized that particular attention is being given to en­suring that pregnant women and children nationwide receive the required vaccinations efficiently and on schedule, under the lead­ership of the State. The Union Minister also expressed his grat­itude for the support provided by the Ministry of Health, related ministries, regional and state governments, and international partners such as GAVI, WHO, and UNICEF.

During the meeting, the Un­ion Minister and representatives from GAVI, WHO, and UNICEF discussed ongoing immunization activities in Myanmar, including the Gavi 6.0 funding application.

The meeting was also at­tended by the deputy minister, the director-general, the deputy permanent secretary, and offi­cials from the Expanded Pro­gramme on Immunization Divi­sion of the Department of Public Health, as well as representatives from GAVI (Geneva), WHO, and UNICEF. — MNA/MKKS