Syria launches campaign to connect with millions of kids missed during COVID-19 pandemic

The second phase of the Big Catch-Up immunization campaign was started this week by the Syrian Ministry of Health (MOH), with assistance from UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

In response to the drop in childhood vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was caused by overworked health systems and impeded access to care, global health partners initiated the Big Catch-Up campaign in April 2023. In Syria, this is the second phase after the first one that ended in April of this year.

Over 300,000 youngsters are anticipated to receive various childhood vaccinations during this round, which is intended to screen about 2 million children under the age of five.

With the deployment of nearly 7,500 health workers, the program seeks to vaccinate children using both mobile vaccination teams and fixed stations within the designated coverage regions.

In addition, 68 districts (out of107) will launch a measles vaccination campaign aimed at around 2 million children under five, regardless of their status as vaccinated. Based on reported outbreak cases and vaccination coverage rates, the implementing districts were chosen.
According to WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC), Syria's coverage of the first dose of the measles-containing vaccine increased to 74% in 2023 from 52% in 2022, but it was still below than pre-pandemic levels of 76%. Measles outbreaks must be contained with a minimum 95% coverage rate.

MOH Syria and its partners are also implementing proactive community engagement initiatives to encourage childhood vaccinations in order to guarantee uptake. These initiatives include collaboration with local authorities, the media, social media, and other influencers.

"The Big Catch-Up initiative in Syria aims to strengthen routine immunization from planning to service delivery and monitoring systems, in addition to providing an opportunity to immunize and protect all children up to five years old, including zero-dose children." As the vital first line of defense against disease outbreaks, Gavi and its partners are dedicated to helping the Ministry of Health maintain a robust national immunization program, as stated by Véronique Maeva Fages, Senior Country Manager for Gavi in Syria.

"The Big Catch-Up program is an essential step in constructing a more robust and resilient health system and overcoming the difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yasumasa Kimura, UNICEF Representative in Syria, stated that the organization is "still committed to supporting the Syrian Ministry of Health and our partners in this crucial effort to safeguard the future of children in Syria."

"Our commitment to the Syrian people is unwavering, and we stand together with our health partners to strengthen the immunization program as a cornerstone of achieving universal health coverage," said Dr. Iman Shankiti, acting WHO Representative to Syria.

The second round of campaigning falls during the same week as a high-level visit to Syria by WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi. The purpose of the visit is to assess the present state of the immunization program and to continue the conversation on more long-term, sustainable alternatives for financing and acquiring vaccines.

October of this year is when the Big Catch-Up initiative's next cycle is scheduled to begin.

Thirty-five nations, including Syria, are presently engaged in Big Catch-Up initiatives to close coverage gaps brought on by the pandemic that have resulted in a rise in outbreaks.