The Ministry of Health of Ukraine announced the start of a vaccination campaign against diphtheria and tetanus, as infectious disease experts predict an increase in the number of diseases in Ukraine.
This was stated by Acting Health Minister of Ukraine, Ulyana Suprun.
“The level of diphtheria vaccination is rather low. When we came to the ministry it was about 21%, now it has already increased up to 65%. But we need it to reach 95%. Speaking of diphtheria, not only children, but also adults should be vaccinated against it. From today, we are starting a month of vaccinations against diphtheria for adults,” Suprun said.
Volodymyr Kurpita, the Director General of the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health, said that the diphtheria vaccination is carried out simultaneously with tetanus vaccination.
“The state purchased vaccines separately: one for adults use and another for children. Now there are more than 3 million doses of diphtheria and tetanus vaccines for adults in Ukraine, which are currently available in all oblasts: they are located in primary health care centers, as well as in family doctors’ offices,” Kurpita said.
He also explained that there were 10 cases of diphtheria in 2018, and in previous years, their number ranged from zero to four.
“We see that in 2018, the number of cases of diphtheria has increased. The number of patients with tetanus has increased: more than 30 cases in 2018. This is already a serious message which is impossible to ignore,” Kurpita added.
As The Journalist reported, Ministry of Health launched online courses for Ukrainians.
Подписывайтесь на telegram-канал journalist.today
