WHO Regional Director for Europe joined the European Immunization Week campaign in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan

On the second day of the country mission, Dr Kluge visited the Shamakhi region which has been the Primary Health Care Demonstration project site of WHO Azerbaijan for the past two years in collaboration with Ministry of Health, the State Agency on Mandatory Health Insurance (SAMHI) and the Administration of Regional Medical Divisions (TABIB).

Dr Kluge joined the events within the European Immunization Week (EIW) field activities in Shamakhi where Tahir Mammadov, the head of Executive Power welcomed guests in his opening speech. The delegation visited the primary healthcare facility, mobile clinic and immunization stand in Goylar village, met with the medical students and the community leaders, and observed the field activities. At the end of the tour, the high-level guest visited the WHO Shamakhi Training Center to get familiarized with PHC reorganization model. 

“Strengthening primary health care is at the heart of providing universal health coverage. The projects I have seen today are bringing health services to where they are needed, and are a shining example of local, national and international partners coming together to deliver health for all.

It has been an inspiration to see the energy and professionalism of medical students - the health leaders of the future - out in the communities providing health checks and vaccinations during this European Immunization Week” said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge.

The Shamakhi tour dedicated to EIW happened in the framework of the immunization campaign in six villages of the region carried out by the European Union (EU)-funded COVID-19 Vaccination Support project implemented by WHO Azerbaijan Country Office. The main goal of the “Get vaccinated, stay healthy, live longer!” campaign is to raise public awareness on the importance of immunization and vaccination coverage to prevent severe diseases for ensuring long lives and protecting health.

Students from the Azerbaijan Medical University, the Baku Nursing Schools No 1 and 2, as well as village community leaders are involved in activities within the campaign. The campaign covers awareness-raising activities among people on COVID-19 and routine vaccines, as well as the vaccination of adult population and children. The health risk assessment among adult population and growth and weight monitoring of children also are incorporated into the campaign. Students and community leaders travel to the villages to meet residents, offer a chance to receive the missed vaccines to adults and children, and offer screening for heart disease risk factors.