A new report from the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) reveals that an estimated 85% of children in the Dominican Republic have completed their vaccination schedules, Diario Libre reports. The data underscores the progress made in the country’s immunization efforts.
As part of World Immunization Week, celebrated this year under the theme “A Dose of Good News,” Unicef has launched a global campaign to emphasize the transformative power of vaccines in saving lives, amidst growing misinformation, polarization, and declining health funding. The campaign, which runs from April 23rd to 30th, involves over 40 countries and territories in the Americas.
“The national goal is to achieve a 95% coverage rate for all recommended childhood vaccines according to the Sustainable Development Goals,” Unicef stated in a press release. This initiative, led by international organizations and local partners, prioritizes the scientific evidence supporting vaccination as one of the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions.
One significant advancement noted in the Dominican Republic for 2025 is the expansion of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to include boys aged 9 to 14, not just girls. “This decision aligns with international recommendations to move towards eliminating cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers,” the report emphasizes.
“Vaccinating every boy and girl is not just an individual health matter; it’s a collective commitment to the country’s well-being. Vaccines save lives and prevent diseases that should no longer threaten our communities,” stressed Carlos Carrera, Unicef’s representative in the Dominican Republic.
The “A Dose of Good News” campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines like HPV, measles, and polio, highlighting their crucial role in child protection. It also urgently calls on decision-makers to continue investing in immunization programs, particularly in light of concerning figures such as the decline in diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP3) vaccine coverage in Latin America and the Caribbean, which dropped from 93% in 2012 to 75% in 2021.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
24 April 2025