With the National Children Immunisation Programme, Brunei Darussalam has achieved and maintained a children immunisation coverage rate of more than 95 percent every year. The statistics of immunisation coverage among children meets the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 target. However, the Ministry of Health continues to strive to improve the existing service so that the achievement can be maintained and also enhanced. The matter was among the contents of the Minister of Health’s message in conjunction with World Immunisation Week.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awang Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar also stated that among the obvious health impact from the administration of vaccines to babies is that it can prevent diseases, disabilities and death. Meanwhile, the provision of vaccines to those with high risks such as those with chronic diseases, food handlers and health workers can give protection from life threatening diseases usually suffered during adulthood.
In the message, the Minister of Health also stated that a systematic immunisation programme is among the vital components in health care which should be provided to every individual from the start which is from infancy to adulthood. Brunei Darussalam is fortunate as all citizens and residents in the country receives free vaccination services from the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam through the Ministry of Health. The National Children Immunisation Programme is one of the programmes provided at every clinic and health centre in the country. All these are part of measures towards broadening access to immunisation, especially among infants and children in the country, aside from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and Universal Health Coverage.
The Minister of Health also shared that the ongoing commitment of the government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, The National Children Immunisation Programme, specifically under the immunisation programme for those with high risk and public health care has placed Brunei Darussalam as one of the countries declared to be Malaria Free by the World Health Organisation in 1987, Free of Polio in 2000, Free from Measles in 2015 and Rubella Free in November 2018. In the context of COVID-19, Brunei Darussalam’s citizens and residents are fortunate as His Majesty’s government has implemented a staggered National Vaccination Programme for COVID-19 according to the phases outlined in the Brunei Darussalam Vaccination Strategy. World Immunisation Week is celebrated every 24th to 30th of April. This year’s theme is ‘Long Life For All’.
Source: Radio Television Brunei