§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the estimated number of vaccinations required by the World Health Organisation is; and how many vaccines have so far been(a) delivered and (b) administered in each month since January 2001. [99347]
§ Clare ShortNational Governments rather than the World Health Organisation (WHO) or other international institutions, have responsibility for immunisation programmes in their countries. The WHO's role is in encouraging effective immunisation practise and monitoring national performance. They estimate that by 2001 some 37 million children worldwide did not receive routine immunisation for the six major vaccine preventable diseases during the first year of life.
In recognition of this, DFID are closely involved in the Global Alliance on Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), a major international initiative to enhance access to vaccines and immunisation in developing countries. GAVI is a cooperative effort between private and public sectors with a partnership of international organisations, including WHO and UNICEF, national Governments, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions and the Gates Foundation.
Statistics on vaccines delivered and administered are included in data collected by the World Health Organisation on an annual basis from member states but not in the form the hon. Lady has requested. Further information can be found at www.who.int/vaccinesdocuments/GlobalSummary/ and www.unicef-org/noteworthy/sowvi