Unicef unveils Tajikistan vaccination plans
20/10/2009
Unicef has confirmed that over two million children in Tajikistan have been successfully vaccinated against measles and rubella.
Since the launch of the campaign aimed to improve child mortality rates across the country, figures show that a total of 2.2 million youngsters are now protected - equal to 97 per cent of Tajikistan's one to 14-year-olds.
The project had the backing of the country's ministry of health, as well as the World Health Organisation and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ruth Leano, Unicef's deputy representative in Tajikistan said: "Timely immunisation against childhood illnesses is an important and proven tool to prevent illness and to improve health and well-being of children. I would like to congratulate Tajikistan on the successful campaign."
Research conducted by Unicef shows that between 2000 and 2005 the infant and child mortality rates in the country reduced from up to 126 deaths per 1,000 live births, to an estimated 79.
Written by Dan Parr. 
