Madrid – The conference on the global impact of vaccines, running since Tuesday in the Spanish capital, acknowledged Wednesday the action of the Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço.
João Lourenço received a book entitled "The Art of saving life" in recognition of his efforts focused on fighting against the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ceremony gathered minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain José Manuel Albares and the Angolan minister of Health of Angola Sílvia Lutucuta, in addition to GAVI figures, including researchers and promoters of the vaccination chain around the world.
In his speech, João Lourenço explained that the Angolan Government spent around US$25 million annually on the purchase of vaccines, as part of the routine vaccination programme.
Angolan Head of State also stated that the Executive has assumed responsibility for maintaining independently the routine vaccination programme since 2017.
On the second day, the event was marked by the panel debate on the role of public and private partners in the immunisation agenda, as well as the pneumonia crisis that affects Mozambique.
The Angolan minister of Health, Sílvia Lutucuta, addressed the theme "one billion children vaccinated globally", having presented the strategy to vaccinate all children.
Discussions focused mainly on the issue of the future of world immunisation, in particular the new sources of financing for vaccines, either by Spain or by Gavi (Global Alliance for Vaccines), the two co-organisers of the Madrid Conference.
The High Level Summit on the Impact of Vaccination is underway from 13 to 15 June in Madrid, Spain. FMA/VM/TED/NIC
