In a significant development, health experts and policymakers worldwide have unanimously supported elevating the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) to an ‘Essential Programme on Immunisation’ (EPI+). This decision underscores the critical role of immunisation in public health and global health security.
Background of EPI
The EPI was initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974 with the aim of increasing access to life-saving vaccines, especially in low and middle-income countries.
Rationale for Elevation
- New Infectious Threats: With the emergence of new infectious threats, the elevation of EPI is seen as crucial for addressing persistent vaccine disparities and ensuring equitable vaccine access.
- Equitable Access: Elevating EPI is essential to ensure that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, can access life-saving vaccines.
- Public Health Priority: It signifies a commitment to prioritizing immunisation as a cornerstone of public health.
Proposed Changes
The proposed elevation of EPI to an essential status involves:
- Increased Funding: More funding is required to support the expanded program.
- Political Commitment: Strong political commitment is necessary for the success of EPI+.
- Integration: Strategic integration with broader health systems is essential for its effectiveness.
Key Strategies
- Sustained Investment: Continued investment in vaccine research, development, and delivery infrastructure is crucial.
- Community Engagement: Engaging communities is vital for the success of EPI+.
- Healthcare Workforce Capacity-building: Strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers is essential.
- Innovative Financing: New financing mechanisms are needed to maximize the impact of EPI+.
Objectives of EPI+
- Accelerating Progress: By mainstreaming immunisation, EPI+ aims to accelerate progress towards achieving universal health coverage and advancing Sustainable Development Goals.
Significance
The call to elevate EPI comes at a crucial time:
- COVID-19 Pandemic: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, investing in immunisation is vital for building stronger health systems.
- Global Health Security: Immunisation is considered essential for safeguarding global health security and ensuring a healthier, more resilient future.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What does the elevation of EPI to EPI+ aim to achieve?
- A) Increase access to healthcare facilities
- B) Strengthen global health security
- C) Enhance medical research
- D) Improve sanitation in rural areas
- Answer: B) Strengthen global health security
- When was the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) initiated?
- A) 1990
- B) 1980
- C) 1974
- D) 1960
- Answer: C) 1974
- What is emphasized as a crucial component for the success of EPI+?
- A) Increased bureaucracy
- B) Community engagement
- C) Reduction in healthcare spending
- D) Limited access to vaccines
- Answer: B) Community engagement
- What is one of the key strategies proposed for EPI+?
- A) Reduced investment in vaccine research
- B) Scaling back healthcare workforce
- C) Decreasing political commitment
- D) Sustained investment in vaccine research and development
- Answer: D) Sustained investment in vaccine research and development