Joint action for higher vaccination coverage in ZDC

(Patria) - Minister of Health of ZDC Aida Salčinović held a working-consultative meeting today on improving immunization with representatives of the Public Institution Institute for Health and Food Safety Zenica, the Cantonal Administration for Inspection Affairs, and directors of health centers.

In her opening address, she emphasized that immunization is not only a health issue but also a social responsibility, noting that the goal of the meeting is to strengthen the implementation of legal provisions and increase the coverage of children with mandatory immunization through joint action.

Discussions were held on the challenges health institutions face when submitting reports to competent sanitary inspectors due to incomplete or irregular vaccination status of children, as well as on the further procedures of inspection bodies.

It was highlighted that the response to mandatory vaccination in certain cities (Zenica, Visoko, and Kakanj) is extremely low, and that the coverage of children with mandatory immunization is around 50 percent, which is concerning.

The Ministry of Health reminds that in 2024, a measles epidemic was declared in the Zenica-Doboj Canton, resulting in the death of one child, and appeals to parents to protect their children through vaccination and contribute to preventing the emergence of a new epidemic.

Only through joint action is it possible to increase coverage and achieve a collective level of protection.

The Ministry of Health of ZDC has also allocated funds this year for the HPV vaccination project, which is implemented by the Institute for Health and Food Safety in cooperation with health centers.

The HPV vaccine represents one of the most important preventive steps in the fight against cervical cancer, as it can prevent more than 90 percent of cases of this disease.

Therefore, children and parents are called upon to respond to HPV vaccination, because every dose received means a safer future and a healthier community.

At the end of the meeting, next steps were agreed upon, including continuous education of parents, timely availability of vaccines, and better coordination of all competent institutions.

Minister Salčinović emphasized that immunization is much more than a health issue - it is an obligation of institutions, a right of every child, and a responsibility of the entire society.

- Our goal is for parents to know that a vaccine means protection, and that we as a system have a duty to enable that protection - Salčinović stated.

The Ministry of Health of ZDC once again calls on parents to fulfill their legal and moral obligation, because vaccination means the health and safety of every child and the entire society.