GSK, a global science-led health care company, celebrated the World Immunization Week by hosting two scientific programs across the Gulf region. The week is a global health initiative that aims to raise awareness about the use of vaccines, and their positive impact on people of all age groups and health backgrounds.
Immunization is widely recognized as one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions across the globe. Immunization prevents an estimated 2 to 3 million deaths every year, protecting children from diphtheria, measles, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, polio, rotavirus diarrhea, rubella (German measles) and tetanus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are still 19.4 million unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children in the world.
During the immunization week, governments, health organizations and relevant communities across the globe come together to discuss the latest findings that boost the effectiveness and availability of vaccinations across the globe.
As the global provider for 40 percent of the children’s vaccines and a holder of 11 world firsts, GSK revealed its campaign — Happiness Begins With Health, Vaccines, Work.
In collaboration with the Health Ministries of the Gulf countries, the campaign aims to highlight the importance of immunization and educate the public about diseases that are entirely preventable through vaccination.
Andrew Miles, vice president and general manager of GSK in the Gulf, said: “As a leader in vaccines, it is our privilege and responsibility to actively support the discussion around the World Immunization Week and raise awareness about the importance of vaccines for young children and adults, alike.” He added: “Since establishing the first local manufacturing plant for vaccines in Saudi Arabia, GSK has been able to improve cost, delivery and time efficiency, while maintaining the efficacy of each vaccine, producing significant benefits across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
“With the continuous increase in demand for new vaccines and the rapid increase in the regional population, GSK is proud to lead the conversation around immunization and further promote collaborations between government entities and private health care providers.”
The first event took place in Riyadh on April 26 and the second one is scheduled for Thursday in Ajman, UAE.

Source: Arab News