Bahrain’s commitment to developing immunisation programmes and strengthening preventive healthcare services for all age groups has been stressed.
Health Ministry Public Health assistant under-secretary Dr Samya Bohram made the remarks during a session titled ‘Advancing Adult Immunisation for Healthy Ageing and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Prevention in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Leveraging Gulf Leadership to Accelerate Regional Action.’
The session was organised in Cairo by the Eastern Mediterranean NCDs Alliance on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee, with the participation of speakers from across the region.
Dr Bohram emphasised the importance of expanding immunisation, particularly among older people and those with NCDs, to reduce preventable health complications and promote healthy ageing.
She noted that Bahrain had maintained immunisation coverage rates of more than 95 per cent under its national immunisation schedule for nearly three decades, remained polio-free since 1994 and maintained its measles and rubella elimination status since 2019.
She also highlighted that the national programme provides immunisation services throughout life through primary healthcare facilities, including chronic disease clinics, maternal care and premarital screening services, as well as recommended vaccinations for travellers.
Dr Bohram added that mobile immunisation units help improve access to vaccines for various segments of society.
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